Home Cell Biology A Model of Free Tissue Transfer: The Rat Epigastric Free Flap
Cell Biology JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

A Model of Free Tissue Transfer: The Rat Epigastric Free Flap

DOI: 10.3791/55281-v
What you'll learn
  • Identify surgical anatomy and vascular pedicle of rat epigastric flap
  • Execute free tissue transfer procedure from epigastric region to neck
  • Assess flap viability and complications across postoperative timeline
Protocol

Biopharma Insights This paper describes the steps required to raise a fasciocutaneous epigastric free flap and transfer it to the neck in the rat.

Difficulty
advanced
Total time
~4–6 hours per animal (surgery + immediate recovery); 14–60 days for complete assessment
Model organism
Rat (strain unspecified)
Biosafety
BSL-1

Steps

1
Review epigastric flap surgical anatomy

Identify vascular pedicle, tissue planes, and landmarks for safe flap elevation in the rat abdomen.

▶ 00:51
2
Prepare animal for operative procedure

Complete preoperative preparation including anesthesia, sterile draping, and positioning for epigastric flap harvest.

▶ 02:15
3
Raise and transfer epigastric free flap

Dissect fasciocutaneous flap, isolate vascular pedicle, and perform microvascular anastomosis to recipient site in neck.

▶ 02:48
4
Monitor immediate postoperative flap viability

Assess color, bleeding, and perfusion immediately after transfer and during early recovery period.

▶ 07:55
5
Evaluate flap at fourteen days postoperatively

Inspect flap for integration, necrosis, and early functional outcomes at two-week timepoint.

▶ 08:10
6
Assess long-term flap outcomes at two months

Document flap survival, contracture, functional incorporation, and absence of complications at 60-day endpoint.

▶ 08:27
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