Porcine experimental model for gracilis free flap transfer to the head and neck area with novel donor site description

Introduction: Functional free tissue transfer in the form of muscle free flap is a challenging surgical procedure and needs a steep learning curve. A porcine model for free muscle transfer and insetting in a distant area is of great interest in reconstructive microsurgery due to the experience and learning curve necessary to perform these surgeries. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a swine model for gracilis muscle free transfer and to describe the donor site anatomy.

Methods: Ten gracilis free flap transfer surgery models were performed under general anesthesia in a porcine model, based on a vascular pedicle depending of the external iliac vessels and a branch of the obturator nerve with microsuture mediated connection to head and neck nerves and vessels.

Results: The gracilis myocutaneous or muscle-only free flap was successfully transferred in all cases using as receptors the vagus nerve, the common carotid artery, and the external or internal jugular veins. In two cases, nervous connection had to be redone. All vascular anastomoses were correctly functioning.

Conclusions: Despite the anatomical and design variations, porcine gracilis free flap transferred to the head and neck area with microvascular anastomosis and nerve connection provides a suitable training model for functional reconstructive microsurgery.