PURPOSE:
To describe a new experimental flap for studying skin viability in rats.
METHODS:
Twenty male Wistar rats weighing between 250-300g were divided into two groups: group A - McFarlane technique, a 4 x 10cm flap was used (McFarlane); and in group B modified McFarlane technique, a 3 x 10cm flap was used. Seven days later, the animals were sacrificed and the area of necrosis was evaluated in both groups.
RESULTS:
Group A presented necrosis in 3% of the total area of the flap (CI: 0.01-0.05), Group B presented necrosis in 37% of the total area of the flap (CI: 0.29-0.46), (p<0.001).
CONCLUSION:
The modified McFarlane flap presented a larger area of necrosis and could be an adequate experimental model of skin flap viability.
Surgical Flaps; Necrosis; Models, Animal; Rats
