S M Tucker1, J V Linberg. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The eyelids have a rich vascular supply, and bleeding may compromise both surgical technique and postoperative results. Generally, it is known that the eyelids contain a marginal and peripheral arcade, but detailed anatomic information is not available. This study therefore was undertaken to determine the detailed anatomy of eyelid vascularity. METHOD: The common carotid arteries of six fresh cadaver heads were injected with a compound consisting of a partially polymerized monomer, to which a catalyst and promoter were added to cause hardening. The soft tissue was then digested, using 40% potassium hydroxide, to obtain detailed casts of the eyelid arteries, arterioles, and capillaries. RESULTS: The authors describe the eyelid vascularity and anastomotic network with average distance measurements from clinically relevant soft tissue landmarks in the 12 cadaver eyelids. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent patterns of eyelid vascularity were observed. A better understanding of the eyelid vascularity should allow modification of surgical techniques and reduce postoperative complications after eyelid surgery.
PURPOSE: The eyelids have a rich vascular supply, and bleeding may compromise both surgical technique and postoperative results. Generally, it is known that the eyelids contain a marginal and peripheral arcade, but detailed anatomic information is not available. This study therefore was undertaken to determine the detailed anatomy of eyelid vascularity. METHOD: The common carotid arteries of six fresh cadaver heads were injected with a compound consisting of a partially polymerized monomer, to which a catalyst and promoter were added to cause hardening. The soft tissue was then digested, using 40% potassium hydroxide, to obtain detailed casts of the eyelid arteries, arterioles, and capillaries. RESULTS: The authors describe the eyelid vascularity and anastomotic network with average distance measurements from clinically relevant soft tissue landmarks in the 12 cadaver eyelids. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent patterns of eyelid vascularity were observed. A better understanding of the eyelid vascularity should allow modification of surgical techniques and reduce postoperative complications after eyelid surgery.