Verapamil enhances the survival of primary ischemic venous obstructed rodent skin flaps.
The effect of verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, on the survival of skin flaps subjected to primary venous obstruction was studied. Skin flaps 9 x 4 cm, which are axial patterns with random extension, were elevated in Sprague-Dawley rats. A microvascular clamp was placed on the vein alone for 8 hours. Group 1 received verapamil (0.3 mg/kg) before flap elevation and before clamp release; group 2 received saline on the same schedule. Group 3 received verapamil (0.3 mg/kg) as above, plus every 8 hours for 5 days postoperatively. Group 4 received saline on the same schedule. There was no difference in survival between groups 1 and 2. Group 3 had 100% improvement in the flap survival compared with group 4 (78% vs 37%). Verapamil, if administered for the duration of the experiment, significantly increased flap survival.
Carpenter
R J
RJ
Department of Surgery, University of Rochester School of Medicine, NY.
Angel
M F
MF
Amiss
L R
LR
Masterson
T M
TM
Morgan
R F
RF
D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery; D000818:Animals; D003250:Constriction; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000187:drug effects*; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D007511:Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014680:Veins; D014700:Verapamil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014700:Verapamil