François Morel1, Frédéric Crampon2, Jérôme Adnot1, Pierre-Yves Litzler3,4, Fabrice Duparc2, Olivier Trost5,6,7. 1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France. 2. Laboratory of Anatomy, Rouen Faculty of Medicine, 22, Boulevard Léon-Gambetta, 76000, Rouen, France. 3. Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France. 4. French National Institute for Health (INSERM), U-1096, Rouen, France. 5. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France. Olivier.Trost@chu-rouen.fr. 6. Laboratory of Anatomy, Rouen Faculty of Medicine, 22, Boulevard Léon-Gambetta, 76000, Rouen, France. Olivier.Trost@chu-rouen.fr. 7. French National Institute for Health (INSERM), LIMICS UMR-1142, Rouen, France. Olivier.Trost@chu-rouen.fr.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Microsurgical reconstruction in a vessel-depleted neck is a challenge due to the lack of reliable vessels in or nearby the host site. The use of the internal thoracic pedicle (ITP) by rib section or sparring is a limited option due to the small length of the pedicle of some flaps. However, in cardiac surgery, the internal thoracic artery (ITA) is widely used for myocardial revascularization, providing a long and versatile pedicle. We aimed at determining precise anatomical bases for the use of the ITP, approached by sternotomy and rerouted in the neck, as recipient vessels for free-flap facial reconstructions. METHODS: We performed a descriptive single centre anatomical study on 20 formalin-embalmed cadavers. The ITP was harvested on both sides from the emergence of the artery under the brachiocephalic vein to its terminal division. The level reached by the ITP in the cervicofacial area was described. Distal arterial and venous diameters, pedicle length and other parameters were measured. RESULTS: In at least 85% of the cases, the ITP reached the mandibular angle. The mean diameter at the distal extremity for the ITA was 2.36 ± 0.15, and 2.48 ± 0.19 mm for the committing vein. The mean length of the ITP was 177.3 mm. CONCLUSION: Rerouting the ITP towards the cervicofacial area could provide a reliable pedicle for free-flap reconstructions in patients with a vessel-depleted neck but it should be limited to selected patients. This novel solution for situations where current techniques are unfeasible warrants further clinical research.
PURPOSE: Microsurgical reconstruction in a vessel-depleted neck is a challenge due to the lack of reliable vessels in or nearby the host site. The use of the internal thoracic pedicle (ITP) by rib section or sparring is a limited option due to the small length of the pedicle of some flaps. However, in cardiac surgery, the internal thoracic artery (ITA) is widely used for myocardial revascularization, providing a long and versatile pedicle. We aimed at determining precise anatomical bases for the use of the ITP, approached by sternotomy and rerouted in the neck, as recipient vessels for free-flap facial reconstructions. METHODS: We performed a descriptive single centre anatomical study on 20 formalin-embalmed cadavers. The ITP was harvested on both sides from the emergence of the artery under the brachiocephalic vein to its terminal division. The level reached by the ITP in the cervicofacial area was described. Distal arterial and venous diameters, pedicle length and other parameters were measured. RESULTS: In at least 85% of the cases, the ITP reached the mandibular angle. The mean diameter at the distal extremity for the ITA was 2.36 ± 0.15, and 2.48 ± 0.19 mm for the committing vein. The mean length of the ITP was 177.3 mm. CONCLUSION: Rerouting the ITP towards the cervicofacial area could provide a reliable pedicle for free-flap reconstructions in patients with a vessel-depleted neck but it should be limited to selected patients. This novel solution for situations where current techniques are unfeasible warrants further clinical research.
Authors: Christian Head; Joel A Sercarz; Elliot Abemayor; Thomas C Calcaterra; Jeffrey D Rawnsley; Keith E Blackwell Journal: Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg Date: 2002-03