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Robert J. Carpenter, MD; Michael F. Angel, MD; Lester R. Amiss, RN; Thomas M. Masterson, MD; Raymond F. Morgan, MD

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1993;119(9):1015-1017.

Abstract
The effect of verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, on the survival of skin flaps subjected to primary venous obstruction was studied. Skin flaps 9x4 cm, which are axial patterns with random extension, were elevated in Sprague-Dawley rats. A microvascular clamp was placed on the vein alone for 8 hours. Group 1 received verapamil (0.3 mg/kg) before flap elevation and before clamp release; group 2 received saline on the same schedule. Group 3 received verapamil (0.3 mg/kg) as above, plus every 8 hours for 5 days postoperatively. Group 4 received saline on the same schedule. There was no difference in survival between groups 1 and 2. Group 3 had 100% improvement in the flap survival compared with group 4 (78% vs 37%). Verapamil, if administered for the duration of the experiment, significantly increased flap survival.

(Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1993;119:1015-1017)

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Surgery, The University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY (Dr Carpenter); Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md (Dr Angel); and The University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville (Mr Amiss and Drs Masterson and Morgan).

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