| Abstract: | The use of microvascular procedures is increasing as the population continues to age. The purpose of this study was to observe the survival of skin flaps after ischemic injury. Skin flaps (n = 50) underwent either 3 hours of primary (1°) or secondary (2°) venous occlusion in young (2–3 mo) and old (18–22 mo) rats. Skin flap survival was assessed on postoperative day 7. Survival rates for young and old after 3 hours of 1° ischemia was 100% and 90% (ns). Survival rats for young and old after 2° ischemia were 67% and 47% (ns). © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc. |
