An evaluation of the Doppler-laser system in monitoring the free skin flap in the rat.

The authors discuss their experience in monitoring the free skin flap in the rat with a newly-conceived Doppler-Laser system. The results obtained are compared with a method which is currently used as skin thermometry and the influence in the clinical field is evaluated.

Laser-Doppler versus fluorometry in the postoperative assessment of a cutaneous free flap.

To find the optimal means for monitoring the vascularity of a cutaneous free flap in the postoperative period, we have experimentally compared laser-Doppler velocimetry and fluorometry. Using the rat groin model, five groups were evaluated: 1. flap isolation without division of the pedicle vessels (island flap); 2) flap isolation, division, and repair of the pedicle artery and vein (free flap); 3) flap isolation, with ligation of the pedicle artery immediately or 1 hour later; 4) flap isolation, with ligation of the pedicle vein immediately or 1 hour later; 5) flap isolation, with ligation of the pedicle artery and vein immediately or 1 hour later.

[Progressive complications associated with polyester arterial prostheses. Study of 61 specimens following surgical excision].

Reports of individual surgical cases tend to be anecdotal because of the unique circumstances surrounding the patient, the surgeon, the intervention and, where applicable, the prosthetic device. To overcome this limitation the authors have taken a wider collaborative approach and report the analysis of 61 explanted polyester arterial prostheses associated with delayed complications on 53 patients reoperated upon in six different French hospitals. One advantage of such an independent and centralized retrieval programme is that the impact of centre specific factors, such as patient selection and surgical techniques, is minimized.