Pedicle lengthening with traction vasculogenesis: Axial and perforator abdominal island flap model in rat

Background: Functional vessel elongation is possible with traction vasculogenesis technique. This study questions the effect of traction on pedicle length and flap viability of rat abdominal superficial epigastric and cephalic epigastric perforator flaps. Method: 28 Wistar-Albino rats were divided into 4 groups as superficial epigastric flap control and traction groups and cephalic epigastric perforator flap control and experiment groups. 1 mm daily traction was applied for 10 days to traction subgroups. On the 10th day pedicle length was measured and flaps were raised. 7 days after viable flap areas were measured. Statistical analysis was done. Results: In both superficial epigastric flap and cephalic epigastric perforator flap groups, pedicle length was found to be higher in traction group and flap viability was found to be higher in control groups. No relation was found between pedicle length and flap viability. Discussion: As a novel technique traction vasculogenesis may be applied to flap pedicles for elongation. This elongation process, not surprisingly may reduce the viable flap surface. However, traction vasculogenesis seems promising for functional elongation of axial and perforator flap pedicles under optimal conditions.