The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) on survival of the distal skin paddle with early pedicle division was studied in a rat tubed pedicle flap model. In part 1, tubed pedicle skin flaps were created on the backs of 14 rats. The pedicle of each skin flap was divided at intervals of 3, 4, 5, and 7 days, and the survival area of each distal skin paddle was measured 5 days after each pedicle was divided. The results showed that the percentages of survival were 0%, 29.9%, 89.9%, and 100% at 3, 4, 5, and 7 days, respectively. In part 2, the tube flaps were created on the backs of 28 rats. The tubed pedicles were divided 4 days after creation. In the experimental group 1 (n = 9), the rats received HBO treatment at 2 atm of pressure twice daily for 3 consecutive days before pedicle division. In the experimental group 2 (n = 9), the rats received HBO treatment after pedicle division twice daily for 3 consecutive days. In the control group (n = 10), the rats received no HBO treatment. The results showed that the mean survival area of the distal skin paddle at 5 days after pedicle division for the groups treated with HBO before and after pedicle division was 6.31 +/- 2.69 cm2 (69.19%) and 6.12 +/- 1.52 cm2 (71.22%), respectively. These survival rates were of statistical significance as compared with the survival rates in the control group of 2.70 +/- 1.89 cm2 (27.9%). These results demonstrate that the administration of HBO therapy to the animal with a tubed pedicle flap can increase flap survival with early division of the tubed pedicle.
Vascular grafts in animal models have been used extensively in the microsurgical laboratory, and the rat offers an excellent source of graft to meet these needs. In this study, we compiled a list of vessels that were previously identified in experimental literature for use as vascular grafts in the rat model. We then dissected and measured both arterial and venous grafts taken from these sites in 12 adult rats. The surgical procedure for approaching each vascular graft was recorded. The diameter and harvestable length, the start and end points, and the number of branches of the graft were tabulated. We believe that these data will provide valuable insight applicable to the use of the rat vascular graft in microsurgical research and training.
This study tested the validity of a quantitative in vitro nerve-tension-measuring technique, by correlating the tension measurements with functional and morphologic assessments of nerve regeneration. Initially, harvested nerves were used in vitro to determine a K value for lateral displacement in this tissue. Next, this value was used to calculate the tension of nerve repair, following 0-, 3-, 6-, and 9-mm resections of nerves in groups of rats. After quantifying the nerve tensions following excision and repair, the authors determined a sciatic function index to evaluate functional recovery and axon diameter in the animals. Functional recovery was significantly impaired in animals with elevated measurable tension (9.04 +/- 0.74 g in a 6-mm defect, 27.76 +/- 8.86 g in a 9-mm defect), compared to animals with no or 3-mm excision and measured tension of 3.3 +/- 1.09 g or less. Increased tension was also associated with a significant decrease in axon diameter. This study succeeded, therefore, in quantitatively relating the elements of measured nerve tension, nerve gaps, functional nerve recovery, and morphologic regeneration. Quantification of nerve tension by lateral displacement in vivo offers a possible solution to clinical management of nerve gaps, when the choice between primary repair and nerve grafting is not a clear one.
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