title: Cutaneous blood flow in the free TRAM flap.
abstract: According to clinical studies there are fewer circulatory complications with the free TRAM flap than with the pedicled TRAM flap. In this haemodynamic study, we measured perioperative cutaneous blood flow in 11 free TRAM flaps with laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and transcutaneous oxygen tension (ptcO2). We also studied 4 pedicled TRAM flaps with an additional microvascular anastomosis. Our results suggest that skin blood flow in the free TRAM flap is superior compared to our previously presented results of the pedicled TRAM flaps, and also superior to pedicled TRAM flaps with additional microvascular anastomoses of the inferior epigastric vessels to "supercharge" them.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Töölö Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
authors.forename: H P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Tuominen
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Asko-Seljavaara
authors.forename: N E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Svartling
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D001785:Blood Gas Monitoring, Transcutaneous; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen