Neovascularized free cutaneous cartilage flap transfer with microsurgical anastomosis: an experimental model in the rabbit.

In preparation for this study in rabbits, preliminary trials were conducted in rats rather than rabbits because they are more economical and are believed to develop neovascularization more rapidly. Using modifications of techniques described by Duarte, the superficial inferior epigastric vessels were planted between the folded leaves of full-thickness grafts of rat ear cartilage. These preparations showed signs of neovascularization and new cartilage formation adjacent to the pedicle when harvested from the groin three weeks later. Encouraged by the success of this preliminary investigation in the rat, we moved on to the rabbit ear model because it provides a larger area of cartilage to work with. The central vessels of the pinna were dissected out and then placed in a subcutaneous (extraperichondrial) pocket of a random-pattern, distally based, full-thickness ear flap. Three weeks later, the flaps, now neovascularized by their neopedicles of implanted central vessels, were harvested and transferred as free chondrocutaneous free flaps to the donor site of the same preparation created on the contralateral pinna. Modifications of these techniques may be useful where chondral or chondrocutaneous flaps are needed, such as for pinna, nasal alar, or nasal septal reconstructions.