Clinical Studies on the Application of Concentrated Growth Factors for Enhancing the Recovery From Flap Ischemia-Reperfusion Injuries.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the therapeutic potential of locally injecting concentrated growth factor (CGF) into flaps for treating flap ischemia-reperfusion injury (FIRI) following reconstructive surgery.

METHODS

Nineteen patients with FIRI were enrolled in this study. After clinical identification of ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, CGF was prepared from each patient's autologous blood and locally injected into the affected flap tissue. Flap viability was assessed using clinical indicators such as color, texture, and capillary refill. Patients were followed for 6 months postoperatively to assess long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

Seven days after CGF injection, 18 of 19 patients demonstrated complete flap survival. In one case, total necrosis occurred due to hematoma formation and insufficient dressing compression, but healing was achieved through dressing changes. Overall, patients showed improvements in flap color (from dark to ruddy), texture (softened), and skin tension (decreased), with visible wrinkle formation. Long-term follow-up confirmed satisfactory appearance and functional outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Local injection of CGF effectively enhances flap survival by promoting recovery from IR injury. This strategy may offer a promising adjunctive therapy in reconstructive procedures to improve tissue viability and healing.