Direct monitoring of the microcirculation in experimental venous flaps with afferent arteriovenous fistulas.

This study was conducted to determine the survival mechanism of tissue transfers which make use of an afferent arteriovenous fistula. The study was carried out using a rabbit ear chamber method. In the first experiment (n = 34), the rabbit ear was used to create a flap with a central afferent arteriovenous fistula with either dual (n = 28) or single (n = 6) drainage. In the second experiment (n = 6), a flap with a central arteriovenous fistula with single drainage was created as above. The central vein was then ligated in the flap to investigate the influence of the competent venous valve in the central vein. In both the first and second experiments, blood flow was noted in the capillaries and arterioles. This finding was interpreted as meaning that a flap with an afferent arteriovenous fistula is nourished through capillary circulation. It appears that the blood flow can circumvent the competent venous valve to perfuse the distal part of the ear.