Silicone elastomer sheeting in the development of pedicle flaps.

Abstract

A "delay" of a pedicle flap stimulates improvement in the flap circulation, probably through partial ischemia. The degree of stimulation prsent at any given time is inversely proportional to the length of time that has passed after the delay because progressive revascularization across the delay lines reduces the ischemis stimulus. This revascularization can ve prevented by placing silicone elastomers (Silastic) sheeting between the flap and its bed.