Axial and random pattern flaps

Abstract

1. It is suggested that flaps in general can be divided into two groups—axial pattern flaps with an inbuilt arterio-venous system, and random pattern flaps lacking such a system. 2. The areas of skin supplied by the axial arteries of four such axial pattern flaps, i.e. their vascular territories, have been investigated and the implications of the findings, as they relate to the flaps actually raised, are discussed. 3. It is postulated, on the basis of evidence presented, that the boundaries which exist between adjoining vascular territories, including territories on each side of the midline, do not have a basis in structure in the skin but result from a dynamic pressure equilibrium existing in the blood vessels of each territory along the boundary line.