[Evaluation of changes in microcirculation dynamics of a free muscular flap submitted to many hours of ischemia. In vivo experiments].

The paper presents the influence of progressive ischemia on the rat cremaster muscle isolated on neurovascular pedicle. Direct in vivo microscopic observations revealed destructive changes of microvessels progressing from periphery to the base of the flap along with increasing in time ischemia. Since there was absolutely no return of circulation after 6 hours of ischemia this period was recognized as critical ischemia for survival of the free muscular flap.