OBJECTIVEThe study was to reveal the vascular changes in three different supercharging flap models. From this study, we want to investigate which vessel, the artery or the vein is more important in elongating perforator flap survival and why.

METHODSTwelve rats were divided into three experimental groups. The left side flaps in all groups were pedicle using xiphoid perforator as control group. The right side flaps were supercharging experimental group. Group I, flap supercharged based on artery and vein of pubis perforator. Group II, flaps supercharged based on artery of pubis perforator. Group III, flaps supercharged based on vein of pubis perforator. Near-infrared fluorescent angiography was performed using SPY imaging system pre-and-aft operation and all angiography videos were compared and analyzed.

RESULTSShowed in angiography video of SPY, in control group and vein supercharging group, blood supply could be observed the immediately reducing, and almost be disappeared the amount of perfusion to distal area. It shows relatively constant necrosis in the distal side of control group and vein supercharging group, and the necrosis of vein supercharging group smaller than these of control group. In artery, vein supercharging group and artery supercharging group, blood perfusion could be observed separately perfusion in the upper and low area of flap. There are complete survival showed on the artery supercharging group and artery and vein supercharging group.

CONCLUSIONSThese findings indicated that congestive flap necrosis attribute to insufficiency of arterial blood. Arterial inflow was demonstrated more important for improved survival of distal flap than venous outflow.