This study aimed to examine the efficacy of an artificial dermal pocket supplemented with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to reduce congestion and improve tissue survival in a rat tail model lacking venous return, mimicking distal finger replantation. The congestion model was established in 45 Sprague-Dawley rats by preserving tail artery perfusion, while obstructing venous return. The rats were randomly allocated to three groups: Group 1 had artificial dermal pockets supplemented with bFGF; Group 2 had circumferential incisions with bFGF; Group 3 had a circumferential incision only. Tail congestion, oedema, circumference, and temperature were measured post-surgery. On day 1, all models showed tail congestion and oedema, peaking by day 3 (Group 2 and 3) and day 6 (Group 1). Significant differences in tail circumference and temperature were observed between Groups 1 and 2, and Groups 1 and 3 on days 3 and 6. By day 11, survival rates were 11/15, 9/15, and 3/15 in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Histological analysis revealed that Group 1 showed robust granulation tissue with abundant neovascularisation, superior than Group 2 and 3. These results suggest that in a rat tail model of venous congestion, the strategy of constructing an artificial dermal pocket combined with bFGF application is associated with enhanced granulation tissue bridging and neovascularisation, and significant reduction in congestion and improved tissue survival. The observed benefits likely represent the combined contribution of the dermal scaffold, growth factor, and protected wound environment provided by the surgical pocket.
Ding et al. (Sun,) studied this question.