Enhanced random skin flap survival by sustained delivery of fibroblast growth factor 2 in rats

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Skin flap survival is a major challenge in reconstructive plastic surgery. Here, we examined the effect of sustained delivery of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) using heparin-conjugated fibrin (HCF) on skin flap survival in rats. METHODS: Rats with a skin flap received either phosphate-buffered saline/FGF2 or HCF/FGF2 in the recipient bed. For the no-treatment group, a random skin flap was sutured on the back without any treatment. Seven days after surgery, angiogenesis in the skin flap was evaluated by using Visitrak system and conventional healing quality scoring method. The efficacy of HCF/FGF2 in skin flap survival was evaluated by comparing the results from different groups. RESULTS: The necrotic area of the skin flap significantly decreased in the HCF/FGF2 group as compared with the other groups. CONCLUSION: The sustained delivery of FGF2 using HCF has a therapeutic potential to improve skin flap survival.