Use of the submental vessels for free gracilis muscle transfer for smile reanimation. Issue 10 (24th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goyal, Neerav; Jowett, Nathan; Dwojak, Sunshine; Cunane, Mary Beth; Zander, David; Hadlock, Tessa A.; Emerick, Kevin S.
• Other Names: Andersen Peter sponsoringEditor.
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 38:Issue 10(2016)
• Page Start: E2499
• Page End: E2503
• Publication Date: 2016-06-24
• Subjects: submental artery -- gracilis flap -- vessel depleted -- smile reanimation; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.24478
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Free muscle transfer is an important in dynamic facial reanimation; however, suitable donor vessels in this population can be inadequate. In this case series, the submental vessels were used as donors to free gracilis muscle in vessel‐depleted patients. Methods: Five patients underwent free gracilis muscle transfer for smile reanimation, 2 with a prior failed free gracilis transfer, 2 with vascular anomalies, and 1 with previous distal ligation of the facial vessels. The submental artery was used as a donor in all cases, and the submental vein was used in 3 cases. Results: There were no complications or flap failure. Postoperative arterial and venous blood flow was confirmed in all patients using Doppler color flow imaging above and below the anastomoses. Conclusion: The submental vessels are suitable for microvascular anastomosis for free flaps having short pedicles, such as the free gracilis muscle flap, in the vessel‐depleted hemiface. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: First–E2503, 2016