Effects of Oxypherol-ET on random skin-flap survival in the swine model.

Random skin flaps are an important and frequently used technique in head and neck reconstruction. Fluorocarbons (Oxypherol-ET) have a low viscosity and high oxygen solubility that allow them to enhance the microcirculation and reduce skin-flap necrosis. These properties were evaluated using the swine model. Group 1 (four flaps) served as controls, with no hematologic or pharmacologic manipulations. Group 2 (16 flaps) had 20% of their blood volume removed and replaced with an equal amount of lactated Ringer's solution. Group 3 (16 flaps) also had 20% of their blood volume removed and replaced with an equal amount of Oxypherol-ET. Necrosis in group 1 (controls) averaged 32.6%; in group 2 (lactated Ringer's solution), 27.8%; and in group 3 (Oxypherol-ET), 8.34%. This study has shown a statistically significant enhancement of random skin-flap survival in the swine model with Oxypherol-ET.