Medial Thigh Region Research Articles

Clinical applications and cadaveric study of the free descending genicular artery perforator flap without the saphenous vein

SummaryBackgroundThe descending genicular artery (DGA) and medial thigh region have been underused as donor sites for perforator flaps. This study evaluated the anatomical relationship between the perforators of the DGA and the saphenous vein (SV) to review the clinical applications of the free descending genicular artery perforator (DGAP) flap for locoregional reconstruction.MethodsFifteen cadavers were arterially perfused with red latex and dissected. Thirty-one patients with extremity tissue defects were treated with a free DGAP flap, including six patients who received a chimeric flap. The minimum distance between the DGAP and the SV was measured during surgery.ResultsIn all patients, the skin branch of the descending genicular artery was found in the medial femoral condyle plane in front of the SV. The average distance between the descending genicular artery perforator and the SV was 3.71 ± 0.38 cm (range: 2.9–4.3 cm). Thirty flaps survived completely, and one flap developed partial necrosis; however, this flap healed two weeks after skin grafting. The average follow-up time was 11.23 months.ConclusionsWe conclude that the SV can be preserved when harvesting the descending genicular artery perforator flap, causing less damage to the donor site and having no effect on flap survival. The free descending genicular artery perforator flap without the SV is a better therapy for complicated tissue defects.

Medial fascia lata perforator flap: Anatomical basis and clinical application as a pedicled or free flap

Adipofascial flaps have proven to be an excellent tool for multipurpose reconstruction as free or pedicled flaps. The anatomical studies in this field are now focused on improving esthetics in reconstruction while maintaining a minimal donor site morbidity. An anatomical cadaver study has been carried out to investigate the medial thigh region as a potential donor site for adipofascial flaps.Eighteen thighs from fresh cadavers were dissected and a new territory with autonomous vascular supply was defined through vascular injection, anatomical dissection, transillumination, and angiography. Cutaneous access was made in a “T” shape. The fascia harvests had to be centered on the adductor longus and gracilis muscles bearing in mind the position of the flap pedicle. The fascial flap was isolated from adductor longus and gracilis muscles and isolated on his pedicle (medial circumflex femoral artery).After our anatomical study, we used the flap in 2 clinical cases. The results of our anatomical study and clinical cases confirmed the suitability and reliability of a new flap: the “Medial Fascia Lata Flap.” Flap size ranged from 20 to 25 cm and has the advantage of preserving the functionality of the thigh muscles. The study showed that the “Medial Fascia Lata Flap” is easy to harvest, and the resulting scar is concealed. In consideration of its suitability, reliability and aesthetical advantages, it could be proposed as a good option in selected cases.

An anatomical study of the lymph-collecting vessels of the medial thigh and clinical applications of lymphatic vessels preserving profunda femoris artery perforator (LpPAP) flap using pre- and intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography

The profunda femoris artery perforator (PAP) flap is gaining popularity in microsurgical reconstruction. The complications that can occur after the PAP flap harvest include donor-site lymphedema, seroma, or cellulitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate and establish a safer technique for the elevation of lymphatic vessels preserving profunda femoris artery perforator (LpPAP) flap using pre- and intraoperative ICG lymphography. In this article, we also evaluate the anatomical relationship between the PAP flap and lymph-collecting vessels. From July of 2018 to January of 2019, 24 patients with soft tissue defects after tumor resection underwent reconstruction using PAP flaps. The lymph-collecting vessels at the medial thigh area were identified using pre- and intraoperative ICG lymphography. A PAP flap was elevated taking care not to damage lymph-collecting vessels. After flap elevation, the anatomical correlation between lymph-collecting vessels and the anterior edge of the gracilis muscle was measured. The postoperative complications were assessed. PAP flaps survived completely in all cases. In all cases, using intraoperative ICG lymphography, surgeons confirmed that the lymph-collecting vessels in the medial thigh region were left intact. There were no donor site complications such as lymphedema, lymphorrhea, or cellulitis. The elevation technique of an LpPAP flap is effective in reducing the risk of damage to lymph-collecting vessels, and thus reducing chances of postoperative lymphorrhea or iatrogenic lower limb lymphedema.

Reappraisal of Perforasomes of the Superficial Femoral, Descending Genicular, and Saphenous Arteries and Clinical Applications to Locoregional Reconstruction.

The superficial femoral artery and medial thigh region has been an underused donor site for perforator flaps. This study evaluated perforasomes of the superficial femoral artery and its principal branches to review the clinical applications for locoregional reconstruction. Twenty-six fresh cadaveric lower extremities were dissected. Perforator size and anatomical course from the superficial femoral artery, descending genicular artery, and saphenous artery branch were documented. Perforators were selectively injected with iodinated contrast to assess vascular territories using computed tomography. A retrospective chart review was conducted on consecutive patients (2014 to 2015). One hundred thirty perforators were mapped in the medial thigh region. Eleven extended medial thigh perforator flaps and 15 hemicircumferential flaps were harvested. The mean distance from the joint line was 16.7 ± 7.3 cm. Perforators arose from the superficial femoral artery (62 percent), saphenous artery branch (23 percent), and descending genicular artery (15 percent). Superficial femoral artery perforators were located around the mid and proximal thigh region (p < 0.001). The median perforasome surface area was 244 cm, representing 36 percent in hemithigh flaps with preferential filling in the anteromedial region. Proximal perforasomes were the smallest. Perforasome areas based on vessel origin were comparable; however, saphenous artery perforators had a broader perforasome compared with descending genicular (p = 0.01) and superficial femoral artery perforators (p = 0.04). Six clinical case examples were presented for knee, thigh, and lower leg reconstruction. The superficial femoral artery or its branches can provide nontraditional reconstructive perforator flap options in regional reconstruction. They can be simple to harvest using a free-style approach, do not require preoperative imaging, offer a one-stage reconstructive method with low morbidity, and obviate the need for microsurgery or muscle flaps.

Cruroplasty or medial tight lift SURGERY the experience of our department

Medial thighplasty is a surgical technique that’s reduce excess skin and fat in the medial part of the thighs and improve in the same time the skin quality and tone. Because of the changes which occur with age and weight loss, the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the medial thigh region show relaxation from the loss of tone and elasticity, with inevitable ptosis of the tissues. Medial contouring of the thigh is frequently requested to improve appearance and function of medial thigh deformities, following massive weight loss or aging process. This surgical procedure can be associated with a significant rate of complications especially postoperative edema and scar migration, improved by performing simultaneous liposuction and anchorage sutures to guard against the effect of heavy skin flaps. A total of 13 female patients presented during the period from January 2014 to March 2019 complaining of moderate to severe thigh laxity with or without lipodystrophy. In 10 patients medial transverse thigh lift was performed, when the laxity was particularly in the upper half of the tight. Whereas, in the other three patients a vertical thigh lift was chosen considering the location of the laxity that toke the whole tight. In both groups an aggressive liposuction was performed and systematic anchorage suture to the colles fascia. All patients recovered well in 2 weeks and showed improvement of thigh contour. No Scar downward displacement or no skin necrosis or seroma was encountered neither labial distortion. The objectives of this article are to expose the modern techniques of face lift of the thigh, to specify the expected results with their limits, as well as to highlight the various complications with their management.

The Superficial Femoral Artery Flap: A 3-Dimensional Anatomical Study.

The superficial femoral artery perforator (SFAP) flap offers advantages for pedicled transfer including consistent perforators and vascular territory, well-hidden donor site scar, and hairless flap skin. This article provides a historical overview of the SFAP flap and describes the vascular anatomy of the SFAP by 3-dimensional analysis and angiography. Ten fresh cadavers were injected using the lead oxide technique through the femoral artery. Spiral computed tomographic scanning and 3-dimensional evaluation were used to describe the SFAP number, diameter, length, type, and location. A total of 288 perforators in 15 cadaver limbs were identified; 19 ± 8 perforators per thigh ≥0.5 mm in diameter, with an average diameter of 0.8 ± 0.3 mm and a range of 0.5 to 2.1 mm; the mean length of each perforator was 68 ± 31 mm; 45% were septocutaneous and 55% were musculocutaneous. The medial thigh region was divided into 6 areas (anterior and posterior halves, then the proximal third, middle third, and distal third of each). The majority of the perforators were located in the middle and distal thirds of the anteromedial thigh (33% each). Using 3-dimensional vascular anatomical analysis, the number, location, length, type, and diameter of the SFAP were documented. In the literature, relatively few reports of the use of the SFAP flap are available, however, this is a valid donor site with consistent cutaneous perforators suitable for harvest as a local or regional flap transfer. This is the first 3-dimensional vascular anatomical study to comprehensively document the vascular anatomy of the SFAP flap.

Perineal Flap Reconstruction after Oncologic Resection.

BACKGROUND Surgical treatment of perineal cancers can lead to extensive demolition, which represents a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Complications after primary perineal wound closure are common due to local tension, large pelvic dead space after the oncologic resection, a contaminated field, and frequent conjunction with neoadjuvant chemoradiation.1,2 METHODS Patients who underwent abdominoperineal resections for anorectal or vulvovaginal cancer were retrospectively analyzed. We include all the patients who could not be repaired by direct closure due to excessive skin tension. We assessed the different flaps used, the surgical complications rate, wound healing, or the progression to chronic wounds. RESULTS We identified 20 patients who underwent this procedure in the last 10 years. The flaps used were all fasciocutaneous, either in a random or perforator fashion. Our first choice for defects of the external vulvar region or the perineum area was lotus petal flap (Figs. 1, 2).3Fig. 1: Complete vulvar defect: a reconstruction with bilateral lotus petal flap is scheduled.Fig. 2: View showing the result 6 months after surgery.Second, we used vertical deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap if there was a large dead space to fulfill or a defect involving the vaginal wall.4 If the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap would be too thick or not available according to previous abdominal surgeries, we used the antero-lateral thigh flap.5 In some other cases where the lotus petal flap was not available due to poor local conditions (radiotherapy damage) and the defect was small, we used local random fasciocutaneous flaps from the gluteal or the medial thigh region.6 We reported no major complications necessitating intervention, and there were no complete flap necrosis or reconstructive failures. All the cases of partial flap loss (approximately 20%) healed by second intention without important scarring retraction. We assessed no progression to chronic wounds. CONCLUSIONS Reconstruction of the perineal region could be a very challenging procedure. Different flaps could be used according to local conditions and the entity of the resection. For wide defects, prior publications have demonstrated a lower rate of local wound complications and shorter hospital length of stay in patients undergoing immediate flap coverage.2 Our results are comparable with those of the literature. Moreover, we prefer the use of fasciocutaneous flaps rather than muscle flaps to reduce donor-site morbidity.

A rare complication of a malleable penile prosthesis: migration to the thigh region

A rare complication of a malleable penile prosthesis: migration to the thigh region

Commentary on the paper “Cervicothoracic reconstruction with an anteromedial thigh flap: A novel flap concept”

This is a commentary on the paper “Cervicothoracic reconstruction with an anteromedial thigh flap: a novel flap concept”. It is an excellent case. The method to use a segment of SFA to replace the carotid artery is great and the defect of SFA could be reconstructed with a Gore-Tex prosthesis. This method has the following advantages: (1) When the cancer has invaded the carotid artery with encasement, this method provides a more radical way of ablating the malignancy. (2) In the presence of potential infection, this method provides an autogenous tissue graft for the carotid artery instead of an artificial graft which has more chance of infection and blow-out. (3) In addition to a segment of SFA, it carries soft tissue and skin for simultaneous reconstruction of defects of large vessel and soft tissue. However, the author should be careful about the anatomical variations of perforators at the medial thigh region. Secondly, the territory of the skin paddle is still not clearly defined with individual difference, so that partial loss can happen if the skin paddle is too large. Even CT angiography has proved the presence of perforators, the area of complete survival for medial thigh flap is not so clear as the anterolateral thigh flap. The venous return of the flap should also be watched for a large anteromedial thigh flap. I would suggest using a smaller anteromedial

Prefabrication of vascularized bone graft using an interconnected porous calcium hydroxyapatite ceramic in presence of vascular endothelial growth factor and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells: Experimental study in rats

Objectives:The purpose of this experimental pilot study was to create a prefabricated vascularized bone graft using interconnected porous calcium hydroxyapatite ceramic (PCHC) block by combining vascular bundle implantation, rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and administration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a rat model.Materials and Methods:Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Experimental animals were divided into six groups, each of which comprised 10 rats. The PCHC blocks were implanted in the medial thigh region in groups I, III, and V without vascular bundle implantation. The PCHC blocks were vascularized by the superficial inferior epigastric artery and vein in groups II, IV and VI. These vessels were passed through the hole of the PCHC blocks. Mesenchymal stem cells were administered into the PCHC in groups III, IV, V and VI. In addition, both mesenchymal stem cells and VEGF were administered in group V and VI. The presence and density of any new bone formation and neovascularization from the vascular bundle was evaluated by X-ray, microangiography, scintigraphy, biochemical analysis and histomorphometry.Results:The newly formed vessels and bone formations were significantly greater in group VI, in which both mesenchymal stem cells and VEGF were applied.Conclusion:This preliminary study suggests that: Both mesenchymal stem cells and VEGF provide vascularized bone prefabrication by enhancing neovascularization and osteogenesis in a shorter time compared to only VEGF application.

Donor-Site Morbidity of the Transverse Musculocutaneous Gracilis Flap in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

The authors have used the transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flap technique for autologous breast reconstruction after skin-sparing mastectomy since August of 2002. The donor site is closed in the manner of a medial thigh lift. The authors examined the short-term and long-term results of donor-site morbidity in their first 22 patients. Nineteen patients underwent unilateral and three patients received bilateral breast reconstruction with a transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flap after skin-sparing mastectomy. Using a questionnaire, patients were asked about complaints resulting from elevation of the gracilis muscle and their satisfaction with the result, general condition, and sexuality. Cosmetic evaluations of the thigh donor site were performed independently by two plastic surgeons. To evaluate short-term results, mean follow-up of the 22 patients was 10 months. All patients were satisfied with the scar in the inguinal region. Concerning thigh symmetry, 42 percent of patients showed excellent results, 40 percent had good results, and 18 percent had fair results. With regard to the scars, 24 percent of patients had excellent results, 46 percent had good results, and 30 percent had fair results. Thigh shape was evaluated as excellent by 26 percent, good by 52 percent, and fair by 22 percent. Patients who had a unilateral gracilis donor site had a difference in maximal thigh circumference of 2.368 cm. Four years postoperatively, all patients would choose this kind of operation again. The medial thigh region allows the removal of a moderate amount of tissue, even in thin patients, with a very inconspicuous scar. The transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flap is safe for immediate reconstruction of small and medium-sized breasts, with minimal functional donor-site morbidity. Therapeutic, IV.

The Scarpa Lift—A Novel Technique for Minimal Invasive Medial Thigh Lifts

Abdominoplasty and lower body lift procedures are the most common and sufficient procedures to correct abdominal tissue redundancy. Frequently, patients who undergo these procedures have lost a relevant amount of weight and additionally present tissue redundancy in the area of the medial thighs. Patients with mild to moderate skin surplus in the medial thigh region often refuse an additional scar in this specific region. For these cases, the medial thigh region can be indirectly treated by the vertical scarpa lift, sparing the medial thigh approach and consequent complications such as scar descent or vulvar distortion. Additionally, the lymphatic vessels below the scarpa fascia can be preserved, reducing the postoperative abdominal seroma rate.

The transverse upper gracilis flap for breast reconstruction following liposuction of the thigh

A particular flap with rising prominence in breast reconstruction is the transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flap. With the increasing prevalence of patients opting for various forms of elective liposuctions, breast reconstruction with flaps has necessitated a more meticulous yet perhaps more flexible screening for potential donor sites. We present a case of a bilateral breast reconstruction using TUG flaps in a patient with a previous history of liposuction to her abdomen and thighs. The dimensions of the TUG flaps were 7 × 31 cm². The patient did not undergo any flap or donor site complications. We speculate that perhaps much of the tissue and muscle in the medial thigh region is more robust than previously thought and that there is high potential for neo-vascularization in the thigh region following a liposuction. Accordingly, we advocate the effective use of the TUG flap for breast reconstruction in spite of previous liposuctions to the thighs.

Characterization of a porcine model of chronic superficial varicose veins

Previous animal models of venous disease, while inducing venous hypertension and valvular insufficiency, do not produce superficial varicose veins. In this study, we aimed to develop and characterize a pig-based model of superficial varicose veins. Right femoral arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) were surgically fashioned in young adult pigs. Animals were examined at postoperative times up to 15 weeks to determine the development of varicose veins and measurement of both blood pressure and flow velocities within the superficial thigh veins. Histology and vascular corrosion casts were used to characterize the resulting structural venous alterations. Porcine pathophysiological features were compared with those of human primary superficial varicose veins. Gross superficial varicosities developed over the ipsilateral medial thigh region after an initial lag period of 1-2 weeks. Veins demonstrated retrograde filling with valvular incompetence, and a moderate, non-pulsatile, venous hypertension, which was altered by changes in posture and Valsalva. Venous blood flow velocities were elevated to 15-30 cm/s in varicose veins. Structurally, pig varicose veins were enlarged, tortuous, had valvular degeneration, and regions of focal medial atrophy with or without overlying intimal thickening. The superficial varicose veins, which developed within this model, have a pathophysiology that is consistent with that observed in humans. The porcine femoral AVF model is proposed as a suitable experimental model to evaluate the pathobiology of superficial venous disease. It may also be suitable for the evaluation of treatment interventions including drug therapy.

Stepladder V–Y advancement medial thigh flap for the reconstruction of vulvoperineal region

Many surgical procedures have been reported for vulvoperineal reconstruction following cancer resection. These include the use of skin grafts, local skin flaps, muscle flaps and fasciocutaneous flaps. Among them, V-Y advancement flap from the medial thigh region has been widely used. However, at times a scar contracture occurs, caused by the long, straight suture line. From September to October 2007, we performed vulvoperineal reconstruction following cancer resection using stepladder V-Y advancement medial thigh flaps in three patients. All flaps survived completely and no scar contracture was observed in all the patients. No surgical revisions were needed. This flap is reliable, easy to be elevated and allows immediate repair of deep defects. This technique can be useful for the reconstruction of the vulvoperinela region because zigzag scars are inconspicuous, diminish the postoperative scar contracture and achieve normal urination.

V-Y fasciocutaneous flap of the medial thigh including the long saphenous vein for reconstruction of intrapelvic dead space

Some patients develop an intrapelvic infection and fistula caused by the presence of intrapelvic dead space after the resection of rectal cancer, and the treatment is sometimes quite difficult. We have developed a new surgical technique for the treatment and prevention of such fistulas that uses a fasciocutaneous flap from the medial thigh. A V-shaped fasciocutaneous flap with a pedicle on the anterior side of the thigh is designed on the medial thigh and gluteal region. After raising the fasciocutaneous flap that contains the long saphenous vein, the gluteal section including a thick layer of fatty tissue is de-epithelialised, and the flap is rotated and advanced towards the dead space to fill it. Four patients were operated on using our technique. One was a secondary reconstruction: the patient had developed a small fistula after reconstructive surgery, but it healed with conservative treatment. As a result, all four patients achieved satisfactory outcomes. The advantages of our technique include: no change in the position of the body is required for reconstruction; operations are simple; sufficient volume of tissue is obtained from the thick fatty tissues of the gluteal region; and the fasciocutaneous flap contains the long saphenous vein and has good venous circulation. We consider this technique useful for the reconstruction of intrapelvic dead space.

Perforator Flaps for Perineal Reconstructions

Whenever there is soft tissue loss from the perineum there are many options for reconstruction. These include allowing the wound to heal by secondary intention and the use of local random or axial pattern flaps, regional flaps, or free flaps. The axial skin flap can be defined as a flap based on known constant vessels of the subcutaneous tissue and its vena comitantes. The perforator flap on the other hand is a randomly selected perforator consisting of an artery with vena comitantes, which perforate the deep fascia to supply the subcutaneous vascular networks. The perineum has a rich blood supply with multiple perforating vessels, and the vascular network of the perineum is similar to that of the head and neck. Anatomically, there exist circles of anastomosis around any orifice or joint. The perineum has two outlets: the urogenital and the anal. The arterial network of the perineum is supplied by the vessels of the lower abdomen, medial thigh, and gluteal region. Knowledge of the rich blood supply of the perineum can be applied to harvest the various types of perforator flaps in perineal reconstruction.

Combined Treatment of Sustained-Release Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor and Sarpogrelate Enhances Collateral Blood Flow Effectively in Rabbit Hindlimb Ischemia

The effectiveness of sustained-release basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in potentiating arteriogenesis and angiogenesis was evaluated, as well as determining whether chronic oral administration of sarpogrelate, a serotonin blocker, would further increase collateral blood flow in the rabbit hindlimb following surgical induction of ischemia by femoral artery extraction. Two weeks after femoral artery removal, the rabbits were assigned to 1 of 4 experimental groups and treated for 4 weeks: group A, no treatment; group B, supplemented with diet containing sarpogrelate; group C, single intramuscular injection of sustained-release form of bFGF microspheres; group D: combined treatment with sustained-release bFGF and sarpogrelate. Endpoint measurements performed at 6 weeks found that the ischemic hindlimb blood flow was significantly improved in the rabbits that received sustained-release bFGF, with a further significant improvement in those with the additional administration of sarpogrelate. Angiographic assessment revealed augmented density of collateral vessels in the medial thigh region in the rabbits given the combined treatment. The findings demonstrate that sustained-release bFGF stimulated the development of collateral vessels, and additional administration of sarpogrelate produced a further improvement in hindlimb blood flow in the rabbit hindlimb ischemia model.

The transverse myocutaneous gracilis free flap: a valuable tissue source in autologous breast reconstruction.

The transverse myocutaneous gracilis free flap with a transverse orientation of the skin paddle in the proximal third of the medial thigh region allows the taking, in selected patients, of a moderate amount of tissue for autologous breast reconstruction. The donor-site morbidity is similar to that of a classic medial thigh lift. The indication for this flap in autologous breast reconstruction and the surgical technique will be discussed in this article. From August of 2002 to March of 2003, 10 patients underwent autologous breast reconstruction with 12 transverse myocutaneous gracilis free flaps. The patients' ages ranged from 26 to 48 years (median, 40 years). Of those, two BRCA-positive women received bilateral breast reconstructions after prophylactic skin-sparing mastectomy, and eight patients received immediate breast reconstruction after skin-sparing mastectomy in early-stage breast cancer. Mean follow-up of the 10 patients was 5 months (range, 1 to 9 months). We had no free-flap failure. Four patients had small areas of ischemic skin necrosis related to very thin preparation of the skin envelope after skin-sparing mastectomy without altering the final aesthetic results. Cosmetic evaluation of the reconstructed breasts and thigh donor site by two plastic surgeons showed good results in nine patients and fair results in one patient. There was no functional donor-site morbidity caused by harvesting the gracilis flap. The transverse myocutaneous gracilis flap is a valuable alternative for immediate autologous breast reconstruction after skin-sparing mastectomy in patients with small and medium-sized breasts and inadequate soft-tissue bulk at the lower abdomen and gluteal region.

Enhanced hindlimb collateralization induced by acidic fibroblast growth factor is dependent upon femoral artery extraction.

Recent investigations have established the feasibility of using exogenously delivered angiogenic growth factors to increase collateral artery development in animal models of myocardial and hindlimb ischemia. Our aim was to evaluate the ability of a stabilized form of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF-S117) to stimulate collateralization and arteriogenesis in the rabbit hindlimb following the surgical induction of ischemia by femoral artery extraction. A secondary objective was to examine angiogenic and arteriogenic effects of aFGF-S117 in the absence of a peripheral blood flow deficit. Five days after femoral artery removal, aFGF-S117 (1, 3, or 30 microg/kg) was intramuscularly delivered into the hindlimb, three times per week for 2 consecutive weeks. End-point measurements performed on day 20 found that hindlimb reserve blood flow was significantly improved in rabbits that received 3 or 30 microg/kg of aFGF-S117, with no difference in efficacy between these two doses. These hemodynamic results were supported by angiographic evidence showing enhanced density of collateral vessels in the medial thigh region and histological findings of increased capillary density within the gastrocnemius muscle from rabbits treated with aFGF-S117. When an efficacious dose of 3 microg/kg of aFGF-S117 was administered to sham-operated rabbits with intact femoral arteries, there was no change in any of the blood flow, angiographic or histological parameters measured. These findings demonstrate that a stabilized form of aFGF stimulated the development of functional collateral arteries in the rabbit hindlimb, an effect which was dependent upon removal of the femoral artery. These results suggest that aFGF-S117 may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of arterial occlusive disorders.