4 – ORIGINAL ARTICLE MODELS, BIOLOGICAL Description of a new experimental model skin flap for studying skin viability in rats1

writing, critical revision. PURPOSE: To describe a new experimental flap for studying skin viability in rats. METHODS: Twenty male Wistar rats weighing between 250-300g were divided into two groups: group A – McFarlane technique, a 4 x 10cm flap was used (McFarlane); and in group B modified McFarlane technique, a 3 x 10cm flap was used. Seven days later, the animals were sacrificed and the area of necrosis was evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: Group A presented necrosis in 3 % of the total area of the flap (CI: 0.01-0.05), Group B presented necrosis in 37 % of the total area of the flap (CI: 0.29-0.46), (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The modified McFarlane flap presented a larger area of necrosis and could be an adequate experimental model of skin flap viability