Use of the submental vessels for free gracilis muscle transfer for smile reanimation.

Use of the submental vessels for free gracilis muscle transfer for smile reanimation.

Head Neck. 2016 Jun 24;

Authors: Goyal N, Jowett N, Dwojak S, Cunane MB, Zander D, Hadlock TA, Emerick KS

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, 2016.

PMID: 27341470 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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