Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Flap models in rats provide a basis for a wide range of fundamental experiments. Herein adipofascial flap based on epigastric vessels is designed for future studies on peripheral adipose tissue, hemodynamics and targeted substance delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats of 400g (30 divided in groups of 10) underwent chimeric flap harvesting centered on epigastric vessels with a medial skin flap of 3 cm diameter pedicled on the medial branch of the epigastric artery and a fat pad flap pedicled on the lateral branch. Group 1 was assigned for anatomical study by vital injection with blue methylene in the femoral artery, using Vevo infusion pump®, which shows the angiosome including the fat. Distance from the epigastric branching to the two arteries supplying the flaps is measured. Microperfusion within the flap was assessed by intraarterial infusion of Vevo microbubble markers® and ultrasound evaluation. Groups 2 and 3 underwent flap harvesting and comparative echo and power doppler assessment of flap blood flow. In group 2 the fat pad flap was repositioned in its anatomical state, whereas group 3 had the lateral flap relocated on the anterior abdominal wall, underneath the skin flap. Rats were followed up for 3 weeks through photos and ultrasound RESULTS: Blue dye spread evenly across the entire flap. The vascular anatomy is constant, with the epigastric bifurcation located at 2 cm from the femoral artery. The flap consists of a 4,5/2 cm fat pad, laterally, and 3 cm diameter round skin paddle, medially. Doppler ultrasound confirmed the viability of the flap in both groups, thus relocating the fat pad and vessels is not followed by ischemia. CONCLUSION: New chimeric adipofascial flap is designed based on epigastric vessels.
Published Version
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