Method for Skin Blood Flow Studies in the Pig

Abstract

In this methodological paper a quantitative blood flow measuring technique in porcine skin is described. The anatomy, technical preparation and surgical technique is emphasized. Baseline recordings yielded a total blood flow of 6.6±0.9 (S.E.) cc/100 g/min and an oxygen consumption of 0.16±0.02 cc/100 g/min at a dermal temperature of 35^®C. Approximately 75% of the experiments were successful and unsuccessful experiments were mainly due to malignant hyperthermia in the pig or inability to cannulate the vessels.

Key Words:

• skin blood flow
• surgical flaps
• electromagnetic flowmeter
• pig anatomy