Attempts to improve tissue survival during ex vivo storage.

Ex vivo hypothermic perfusion has been shown to enhance short-term survival of organs before transplantation. The effects of perfusion, control of media pH, and systemic drug treatment were studied utilizing superficial epigastric free flaps in Sprague-Dawley rats. Viability of the flaps could be reliably maintained (9/10, 90%) for 72 hours using simple storage in phosphate-buffered Ringer's (pH 7.8) at 4 degrees C. Pretreatment with prostaglandin E1 was of slight benefit. Flap perfusion with or without pharmacologic agents was not beneficial.