Conventional flaps are caracterized by arterial blood inflow and venous blood outflow. Venous flaps have only one vein in their pedicle. Determination of survival area and vascularization in transpositioned venous flaps is the aim of this study. A 2x2 cm² skin flap, based in the distal pedicle of anterior marginal vein, was performed in 8 rabbits ears. The flaps were divided in two groups: group I (n=8)-the flaps were elevated are fixated in the same position.; group II (n=8)-the flaps were elevated and transpositioned in 90°. These two groups were compared in between and with group III (n=8), in which was performed a skin graft. Necrosis mean area in group I (6,5%) was smaller than in group II (43,5%), and in both groups I and II was smaller than group III (88,75%). Angiography didn't alterations in vascular pattern comparing groups I and II. Anterior marginal vein was important for flap survival. Necrosis area in group II, which was transpositioned, was wider than in group I.
surgical flaps; Experimentation; Rabbit
