A histological and carbon perfusion study of cephalic and saphenous venous flaps in the dog

A histological and carbon-infusion study of cephalic and saphenous venous flaps in the dog shows that cephalic flaps survive significantly better than saphenous flaps, their mean viability at 5-14 days being 50-60% compared to 23.8% for saphenous flaps. Venous drainage is essential for flap survival but perfusion of the cephalic vein with arterial blood does not alter flap viability. The findings indicate that cephalic flaps survive better because they are thinner and contain a more extensive venous plexus. A cephalic flap is a suitable model for in vivo study of the circulation within a venous flap.