A symmetrical dorsal island double flap in the mouse

The mouse is currently recognized as the most advantageous experimental animal amongst the muridae because of its small size, universal availability, and the large variety of lines available including disease models. We propose a new axial-pattern double flap model which allows symmetrical preparation of two flaps, reducing difficulties regarding inter-animal variation. Two symmetrical island flaps were harvested based on the bilateral deep circumflex iliac arteries (DCIAs) and subjected to ischaemia followed by reperfusion. On postoperative day 7, the flap survival area was measured. Comparison between the right and left flap in each animal showed an almost identical survival area. The model provides a reliable experimental means for research in flap pathophysiology. It could be especially useful for estimating effects of topical therapeutic manipulation to individual flaps including local application of agents and cell and/or gene transplantation.