Real-time demonstration of split skin graft inosculation and integra dermal matrix neovascularization using confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Objectives: During the first 48 hours after placement, an autograft "drinks" nutrients and dissolved oxygen from fluid exuding from the underlying recipient bed ("plasmatic imbibition"). The theory of inosculation (that skin grafts subsequently obtain nourishment via blood vessel "anastomosis" between new vessels invading from the wound bed and existing graft vessels) was hotly debated from the late 19th to mid-20th century. This study aimed to noninvasively observe blood flow in split skin grafts and Integra dermal regeneration matrix to provide further proof of inosculation and to contrast the structure of vascularization in both materials, reflecting mechanism.

Zosteriform connective tissue nevus: a case report.

Zosteriform connective tissue nevus is a rare form of connective tissue hamartomas, which arises from cells of mesodermal origin. Despite similar clinical appearance of many connective tissue nevi, they can be differentiated histochemically and/or biochemically on the basis of the primary connective tissue element present. There are only 3 reported cases of zosteriform connective tissue nevi in the worldwide literature.