title: Microvascular transfer of the combined gastrocnemius-soleus muscle flap in the rat.
abstract: The combined gastrocnemius-soleus (G-S) muscle flap is a new research model for use in microvascular free tissue transfer in rats. Harvest of the combined G-S muscle flap is straightforward technically, and its increased size makes it particularly useful for biochemical and morphological study. A single G-S muscle complex accounts for approximately 1% of a rat's total body weight (261.67 +/- 21.60 g). It can be used as a free muscle flap based on its large femoral pedicle (artery diameter, 0.9 +/- 0.1 mm; vein diameter, 1.6 +/- 0.1 mm). Eight G-S muscle flaps were harvested as free muscle flaps and transferred to a recipient femoral site. The flaps were explored 24 hours after revascularization and assessed for viability by visual inspection of the muscle and vascular pedicle, as well as by fluorescein injection. A survival rate of 100% (8 of 8) was noted at 24 hours. This flap is reliable, easily harvested, and provides additional muscle bulk for microvascular research.
authors.affiliation: York Hospital, PA, USA.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Paletta
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Atabay
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Bentz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006085:Graft Survival; D006614:Hindlimb; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*