Revascularisation of free full thickness skin grafts in rabbits: a scanning electron microscope study of microvascular casts

Abstract

Casts of the vasculature of free full thickness skin grafts from rabbits' thighs and of the graft beds prepared on their ears, were obtained by microvascular injection of "Mercox", a methacrylate preparation. After transplantation, similar casts were made of the grafted area. All the casts were examined in a scanning electron microscope. Partial filling of the graft vasculature was observed 3 days after grafting and complete filling 5 to 7 days afterwards. These results confirm that vascularisation of free full thickness skin grafts is accomplished through early anastomoses between the original small vessels of the graft and the bed. © 1986 The Trustees of British Association of Plastic Surgeons. All rights reserved.