title: Flap prefabrication using an exteriorised vascular pedicle in a rabbit ear model.
abstract: We have developed a new model of thin flap prefabrication in the rabbit with an exteriorised vascular pedicle in a skin tube. Study of these prefabricated flaps after transfer demonstrated that distal flap survival improved as the interval between implantation and flap transfer increased. Exteriorising the pedicle minimises both donor deformity and pedicle trauma and allows easier experimental study of the neovascularisation process in flap prefabrication.
authors.affiliation: Brigham/Children's/Harvard Division of Plastic Surgery, Boston.
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Duffy
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Pribaz
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Hergrueter
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Maitz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004431:Ear, External / Q000098:blood supply*; D009333:Neck; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000503:physiopathology; D011817:Rabbits; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods* / Q000502:physiology