Angiogenesis and plastic surgery.
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from an existing vascular bed, is a normal physiological process which also underpins many--apparently unrelated--pathological states. It is an integral factor in determining the success or failure of many procedures in plastic and reconstructive surgery. As a result, the ability to control the process would be of great therapeutic benefit. To appreciate the potential benefits and limitations of recent advances in our understanding of angiogenesis, it is important to comprehend the basic physiology of blood vessel formation. This review aims to summarise current knowledge of the way in which angiogenesis is controlled and to look at how disordered vessel development results in pathology relevant to plastic surgery. Through this we hope to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in angiogenesis as they relate to plastic surgery, particularly the promotion of flap survival, tendon healing, nerve regeneration, fracture healing and ulcer treatments.
Akhavani
Mohammed Ali
MA
Restoration of Appearance of Function Trust, Northwood, UK. mo@doctors.org.uk
Sivakumar
Branavan
B
Paleolog
Ewa M
EM
Kang
Norbert
N
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D006133:Growth Substances