ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of power-assisted intravascular shunt in replantation of amputated limbs of rabbits. MethodsEighty rabbits weighing 1.8-2.5 kg (male or female) were selected to establ ish the model of circular amputation at the hind groin, only femoral arteries and veins were completely preserved. After the femoral artery was clamped in 60 rabbits, the rabbits underwent power-assisted intravascular shunt with high-flow rate (group A, n=20), powerassisted intravascular shunt with low-flow rate (group B, n=20), and no power-assisted intravascular shunt (group C, n=20) to reconstruct blood supply; the femoral artery was not clamped in another 20 rabbits of sham group (group D). Before and after intravascular shunt (1, 3, 6, and 12 hours), the malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) of the serum were determined. The myeloperoxidase (MPO), MDA, and wet to dry weight ratio (W/D ratio) of the gastrocnemius muscle were measured, and the thrombogenesis and survival rate of limb were observed. ResultsBefore intravascular shunt, MDA, LDH, and CK of the serum and MPO, MDA, and W/D ratio of the muscle showed no significant difference among 4 groups (P>0.05). At each time point after intravascular shunt, no significant difference was found in all indexes between groups A and D (P>0.05); the indexes of groups B and C were significantly higher than those of groups A and D (P<0.05); the values were the highest in group C (P<0.05), and reached the peak at 12 hours. All limbs of group A survived with low thrombosis rate, and less limbs could survive with high thrombosis rate in group C. ConclusionThe power-assisted intravascular shunt with high-flow rate can effective ensure the blood supply of the amputated limbs of rabbits with lower limb injury and higher survival rate of amputated limbs after replantation.
ObjectiveTo investigate the application of the double skin paddle arterialized venous flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the middle and proximal parts of double fingers. MethodBetween September 2011 and December 2014, 6 cases (12 fingers) of soft tissue defects in the middle and proximal parts of double fingers underwent reconstructive surgery with the double skin paddle arterialized venous flaps. There were 5 males and 1 female with an average age of 33.8 years (range, 19-52 years). The causes included cut injury in 4 cases and crush injury in 2 cases. Five index fingers, 3 middle fingers, 2 ring fingers, and 2 little fingers were involved. All defects located at proximal and middle fingers and defect did not exceed the distal interphalangeal joint. The defect area ranged from 2.5 cm×2.5 cm to 5.5 cm×4.0 cm. All cases had bone or tendon exposure, and 2 cases had phalangeal fracture. The disease duration was 1.5-7 hours (mean, 3.5 hours). The flap size was 8 cm×3 cm-14 cm×5 cm. The donor site was directly sutured (≤ 3.0 cm in width) or was repaired with skin graft (>3.0 cm in width). ResultsThe operation time was 2.5-5.0 hours (mean, 4.0 hours). All flaps survived completely. Tensive blisters occurred in 4 cases and were improved at 1 week after removal of suture around pedicle. Partial distal flap necrosis was noted in 1 case, healing was obtained after secondary debridement; other wounds healed in one stage. The patients were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 13 months). The flap had good texture, elasticity, and appearance. According to the hand function evaluation criteria issued by the Chinese Hand Society, the results were excellent in 3 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 1 case at last follow-up. The two-point discrimination of the flap was 8-10 mm (mean, 9 mm). ConclusionsThe double skin paddle arterialized venous flaps have the advantages of simple technique and definite effectiveness for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the middle and proximal part of double fingers.