Posterior thigh perforator-based flap: a new experimental model in rats.

Animal research has added a great deal of understanding to flap hemodynamics. The rat is the most commonly used animal in flap research, and various flap models have been devised. In the current study the authors developed a single-perforator-based flap model in rats. In 30 rats, anatomic dissection and flap elevation based on a single musculocutaneous perforator artery arising from the biceps femoris muscle were performed. The vascular basis of this new flap was cleared by anatomic dissection of the posterior thigh in 6 rats. The survival pattern of the proposed flap was investigated in three groups of rats. Each group consisted of 8 rats and had different flap dimensions. In the first group the flap was located in the posterior thigh and was 3 × 2 cm. All flaps survived in this group at the end of the first week. In the second group the same flap was extended to the gluteal region and was 3 × 4 cm. Again, all flaps survived. In the last group an oversized flap (3 × 12 cm) was planned from the posterior thigh to the scapular region based on the same perforator artery. In this group only 61 ± 7.2% (mean ± standard deviation) of the flap survived at the end of the first week. Microangiography was performed in each group and the vascular architecture of the pedicle (perforator artery) was seen. This new posterior thigh perforator-based flap model is simple and reliable with a constant survival pattern. Thus, it could be used in studies investigating the physiological and pathophysiological changes of perforator-based flaps. Coskunfirat OK, Islamoglu K, Ozgentas HE. Posterior thigh perforator- based flap: a new experimental model in rats.