In order to increase the survival rate of skin flaps, lots of studies have been made since several decades. Among them, isovolemic hemodilution, by exsanguination and crystalloid replacement, is said to augment skin flap survival in rats.
Serum protein, however, is said to be a major factor which determines blood viscosity in microvasculature.
So, authers planned an experiment in which hematocrit was decreased in rats without change in serum protein concentration. Some amount of whole blood was withdrawn and centrifuged, and the serum was reinjected to the rats with crystalloid replacement for maintaining isovolemia without causing hypoproteinemia.
In comparison with that of control, total serum protein concentration in hemodiluted animals by auther’s technique was not altered greatly. Hematocrit level was measured daily in respective animals, and mean value was 47.07?1.39% in control, and 29.66?6.28% in hemodiluted group.
Mean flap survival rate on postop, 7th day was 35.33?3.09% in control, and 45.93?8.15% in hemodiluted rats without hypoproteinemia(p?0.01).
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