Neovascularized prefabricated flap represents a new valuable trend in reconstructive surgery. Tissue engineering can provide a promising method for replacing any three-dimensional tissue defect. In the first experimental study in rabbits, neovascularization was evaluated in a total of 156 abdominal prefabricated flaps at the various retention times of 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 days after flap prefabrication using different types of implanted vascular pedicles. The results indicated that 20 days appears to be the minimal length of time required for matured neovascularization in all models. Neovascularization was best in Model 5 with maximal blood flow in the implanted vascular pedicle combined with flap expansion, followed by maximal blood flow in Models 2, 3, 4 and the worst results found in Model 1 with minimal blood flow. In the second study, cartilage-engineered constructs were implanted beneath prefabricated skin flaps using an arteriovenous vascular pedicle with maximal blood flow. After 6 weeks, the neovascularized flaps with embedded cartilage-engineered constructs were completely removed based on the newly implanted vascular pedicle, and then re-transferred microsurgically into position. The results showed that the implanted constructs were well integrated and protected within the flap, stable in both form and size and well neovascularized. All constructs showed the development of neocartilage-like tissue.
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Neovascularized prefabricated flap represents a new valuable trend in reconstructive surgery. Tissue engineering can provide a promising method for replacing any three-dimensional tissue defect. In the first experimental study in rabbits, neovascularization was evaluated in a total of 156 abdominal prefabricated flaps at the various retention times of 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 days after flap prefabrication using different types of implanted vascular pedicles. The results indicated that 20 days appear...
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