Prefabricated free flaps with vascularized porous polytetrafluoroethylene (Proplast II)

The use of porous polytetrafluoroethylene (Proplast II), as a framework for prefabricated, composite transplants was investigated in 28 New Zealand rabbits. A portion of Proplast II was implanted into an inguinal fat flap, explanted after six weeks, followed by a prefabricated free flap covered with a skin graft transplant in three variations. In eight specimens, the microvascular transplantation was from the inguinal to the neck region. This transplantation procedure was possible due to vascularisation and proliferation of connective tissue interwoven into and throughout the Proplast II which was used as an interface matrix. Histological findings in the microangiographic and Tc 99m examination technique showed vascularisation of Proplast II and the presence of a capillary network between Proplast II and the dermal transplant. The employment of porous PTFE as a framework for prefabricated free flaps is a promising one.