Abstract: Objective　To describe the procedure of transfer of the groin flap based on the superficial epigastric artery into the axillary fossa in rats.   Materials   Twenty clean SD male rats weighing 420~450 g were depilated after successful anesthesia. A free groin flap model with a size of 4cm×2cm was established based on the superficial blood vessel of the abdominal wall was transplanted to the axillary fossa with the lateral thoracic vessels used as the recipient vessels. The main observations were as follows: ① the origin, course and branches of femoral vessels and lateral thoracic vessels were observed, and their outer diameter and length were measured; ② survival state of experimental animals; ③ The survival of the flap on the 7th day after operation.    Results    The diameter of the femoral artery and vein was (0.72±0.08) mm and (1.29±0.17) mm respectively, and that of the lateral thoracic artery and vein was (0.59±0.18) mm and (1.04±0.12) mm respectively. Two rats failed to recover from anesthesia after operation, and 3 rats had complete necrosis of skin flap, resulting in a flap survival rate of 75%. Due to removal of the femoral artery, claudication of the affected limb could occur after surgery.  One week later, with compensation of the blood supply, the gait of rats gradually returned to normal.    Conclusions   The free flap based on the superficial epigastric artery in rats is very suitable for junior doctors and researchers who want to engage in the clinical work and the basic research relating to supramicrosurgery.

Key words: Free flap,  ,  , Superficial epigastric artery,  ,  , Common thoracic artery,  ,  , Vascular anastomosis