Role of nitric oxide in skin flap delay.

Surgical delay of skin flaps before transfer is known to improve flap viability. This study attempts to elucidate the mechanism of vasodilation by exploring the effects of nitric oxide on the microcirculation of delayed skin flaps. Using a skin flap model in 22 CD-1 white mice, the diameter of two nonterminal choke arteries was measured using in vivo videomicroscopy.