High cut-off microdialysis catheters to clinically investigate cytokine changes following flap transfer

Abstract Background ‘Choke vessels’ are thought to dilate in the first 72 h when blood flow an area is disrupted. This study used ‘high cut-off’ microdialysis catheters clinical research investigate factors mediating circulatory change within free flaps. Methods Six patients undergoing DIEP flap breast reconstruction each had three catheters, with a membrane modification allowing molecules as large 100 kDa pass, inserted into Hartrampf zones 1, 2 and 4 assess multiple vascular territories. Microdialysis continued for post-operatively. Samples were analysed interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) fibroblast growth basic (FGFβ). Results Three hundred twenty-four samples IL-6, FGFβ TNFα totalling 915 analyses. IL-6 showed increasing trend until 36 post-operatively before remaining relatively constant. Overall, there was increase ( p < 0.001) over time period from h, fitting linear trend. peak around 20–24 gradual decrease. There significant = 0.029) between 76 decreasing period. concentrations did not appear have any overall difference concentration time. The however appeared oscillate about horizontal line. no differences of cytokines collected. Conclusion uses high-cut off evaluate changes cytokines, requires further be undertaken add our knowledge choke vessels physiology. Level evidence: IV, diagnostic study.