Neovascularization in prefabricated flaps using a tissue expander and an implanted arteriovenous pedicle.

Creating prefabricated flaps using tissue expanders in combination with the implantation of maximal blood flow vascular pedicles into suitable tissue areas represents a new tendency in the reconstruction of large skin defects. In 42 Chinchilla Bastard female rabbits weighing 3,700-4,600 g, skeletonized arteriovenous pedicles with maximal blood flow, dissected from the femoral and saphena magna bundles, were implanted underneath abdominal fasciocutaneous flaps. Oval tissue expanders of 250 ml were placed and fixed on the abdominal wall to expand these prefabricated flaps.