Vascular Anatomy of the Hamster Retractor Muscle with Regard to Its Microvascular Transfer.

M.C.J. de With, A.M. Vries, A.B.A. Kroese, E.P.A. van der Heijden, R.L.A.W. Bleys, S.S. Segal, M. Kon

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: The hamster retractor muscle (RET) is used as an in vivo model in studies of skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury. The RET is unique in that the muscle can be isolated while preserving the primary vascular supply so that its contractile function can be measured simultaneously with local microvascular responses to experimental interventions. The goal of this study was to understand the anatomical origin of the vascular supply to the RET and determine whether the RET can be used as a free flap after surgical isolation of the thoracodorsal vessels. METHODS: Microdissection was performed to determine the anatomy of the vasculature that supplies and drains the RET. RESULTS: Distinct numbers and patterns of feed arteries (2-4) and collecting veins (1-3) were identified (n = 26 animals). Dye injection (n = 8) of the thoracodorsal artery demonstrated that the RET remains perfused following its isolation on the thoracodorsal pedicle. Heterotopic allograft transplantation of the RET (n = 2) was performed by anastomosing the thoracodorsal vessels to the femoral vessels using the end-to-side technique. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomical relationships indicate that the RET can be used as a free flap model for evaluating the effect of preservation strategies and transplantation on skeletal muscle microcirculation and contractile function.
    Original languageUndefined/Unknown
    Pages (from-to)97-105
    Number of pages9
    JournalEuropean Surgical Research
    Volume42
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2009

    Cite this