Prostacyclin and prostanoid modifiers aid ischemic skin flap survival

Abstract

Prostacyclin, the stable prostacyclin analogue carbacyclin, the thromboxane synthetase inhibitor UK-38,485, and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor dipyridamole were tested on rabbit epigastric free flaps for their ability to improve flap survival after a period of ischemia. Control flaps infused with a balanced salt solution had a 39.9% survival, whereas prostacyclin, carbacyclin, and dipyridamole significantly increased flap survival to 68.4% (P < 0.05), 66.4% (P < 0.05), and 66.9% (P < 0.05), respectively. UK-38,485 improved survival slightly to 47.6% although not significantly. The improved flap survival correlated with the vasodilatory properties of the three successful agents whereas the a..