Development of collateral circulation in a replanted rat hindlimb model

The development of collateral circulation was studied in a replanted rat hindlimb model by use of the hemodynamic techniques of hydrogen washout and laser Doppler capillary perfusion monitoring. Collateral development occurred and provided blood flow whose magnitude increased linearly over time. Twenty-seven percent of preligation blood flow was present at 2 weeks after replantation, 39% at 4 to 5 weeks, and 77% at 8 to 9 weeks by laser Doppler assessment. Laser Doppler correlated more closely with limb survival than did the hydrogen washout technique. Uniform necrosis (eight of eight) occurred after pedicle interruption in the 2-week group. Partial limb survival was noted in five of eight replants at 4 to 5 weeks on transection of the vascular pedicle, while complete survival of all replants (nine of nine) was seen at 8 to 9 weeks.