The gracilis myocutaneous free flap in swine: an advantageous preclinical model for vascularized composite allograft transplantation research.
Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) has become a clinical reality, prompting research aimed at improving the risk-benefit ratio of such transplants. Here, we report our experience with a gracilis myocutaneous free flap in Massachusetts General Hospital miniature swine as a preclinical VCA model. Fourteen animals underwent free transfer of a gracilis myocutaneous flap comprised of the gracilis muscle and overlying skin, each tissue supplied by independent branches of the femoral vessels. End-to-end anastomoses were performed to the common carotid artery and internal jugular vein, or to the femoral vessels of the recipients. Thirteen of fourteen flaps were successful. A single flap was lost due to compromise of venous outflow. This model allows transplantation of a substantial volume of skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle. The anatomy is reliable and easily identified and harvest incurs minimal donor morbidity. We find this gracilis myocutaneous flap an excellent pre-clinical model for the study of vascularized composite allotransplantation.
Transplantation Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
Angelo A
AA
Leto Barone
David A
DA
Leonard
Radbeh
R
Torabi
Christopher
C
Mallard
Taylor
T
Glor
Joseph R
JR
Scalea
Mark A
MA
Randolph
David H
DH
Sachs
Curtis L
CL
Cetrulo
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D000818:Animals; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common / Q000601:surgery; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000601:surgery; D005268:Femoral Vein / Q000601:surgery; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D006085:Graft Survival; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000601:surgery; D023421:Models, Animal; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013552:Swine; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous