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J Reconstr Microsurg 2002; 18(7): 599-608
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-35099
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Effect of Blood Loss on Vascular Responsiveness in Pedicled Groin Flaps in a Rat Model

Ilpo Kinnunen1 , Esa Laurikainen1 , Aleksi Schrey1 , Pekka Laippala2 , Kalle Aitasalo1
  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Turku University Central Hospital, Turku, Finland
  • 2Department of Public Health/Biometry Unit, University of Tampere, Research Unit, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Publication History

Publication Date:
29 October 2002 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Using the clamping method (closing and opening the flap feeding artery) and continuous laser Doppler flowmetry, the effects of blood withdrawals on flap blood flow and on active and passive mechanisms regulating it were investigated in 12 Sprague-Dawley rats. Measurements were made during stable normovolemic conditions, during hypovolemia (after 3 ml/kg and after 6 ml/kg blood withdrawal), and after retransfusion of the shed blood. The continuous blood flow responses during and after the clamping procedure were analyzed. After clamp release, the increase in blood flow, duration of overshoot, and peak flow of overshoot were significantly greater (the level of significance was set equal to 0.05) in the registrations performed after blood withdrawals than before them. The post-ischemic response curves indicating significantly increased flap hyperemia during reperfusion in the registrations after blood withdrawals may be associated with decreased vascular resistance in the flap. Thus, the authors conclude that a short-term decrease in blood pressure caused by blood loss may prepare the flap microcirculation for tolerating more ischemia.

KEYWORDS

Hemodynamics - blood loss - blood pressure - blood flow - laser doppler flowmetry - free flap - microsurgery - vascular responsiveness

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