OBJECTIVETo investigate the survival mechanisms of the reverse-flow flap.

METHODSA skin flap measuring 8.0 cm x 2.5 cm based on the left deep circumflex iliac vessel (DCIV) was designed and elevated on the rat's dorsum with 4.0 cm of it's length crossing the midline. The flap was served as the reverse-flow flap model. The survival area, the dynamic microcirculation including flow direction, microvessel number, caliber, pressure and vasculature were assessed respectively at 6 hour, 24 hour, 48 hour, 72 hour, 7 day and 14 day after operation.

RESULTSThe average gradient of perfusion pressure was 0 kPa before operation and was 4.9 KPa postoperatively between the proximal and the distal site of the flap. By anastomosis of bilateral DCIV, the blood flow run in a reversed pattern in the region distal to the midline. No venous valves were observed. Distal congestion developed in 20% of the flaps within 72 h. After that, the number and caliber of venous anastomosis increased with pressure dropping in the midline region. The axial vessels extended its branches progressively along the dilated anastomotic rami. As a result, the vasculature of the flap became similar to that of the conventional axial flap by the 14th day. With these changes, flap congestion was alleviated gradually and subsided within 7 days. All the flaps survived completely.

CONCLUSIONSAnastomosis connecting the two axial vessels is the circulation route of the reverse-flow flap. By the gradient pressure between the proximal and distal region, blood is driven reversely. Within 72 h, the distal part is susceptible to congestion. In this period, increasing number and caliber and decreasing pressure of anastomosis is important mechanism to support the circulation. After that, the new vasculature similar to the conventional axial flap provides the flap with reliable and permanent blood supply.