Flaps pedicled on the superficial temporal artery and vein in facial reconstruction: A versatile option with a venous pitfall

Abstract

Flaps pedicled on the superficial temporal vessels are versatile in reconstruction of the face and scalp. Various tissues can be harvested and flexible pivot points and long pedicles allow for them to reach the entire face. Colour and texture match is good, and morbidity at the donor site is usually minimal. However, venous anatomy of the temporal area is unpredictable, and this anatomical point has not been clearly reported in papers and anatomical atlases. One must be aware of the risk of venous inconsistency and plan the pedicle accordingly. In the absence of a suitable vein, drainage can be provided through concomitant veins in a sufficient cuff of fascia around the pedicle's artery. We have reviewed published reports about reconstructive possibilities provided by temporal flaps, for descriptions of the venous drainage of the temporal area, and for salvage procedures in case of venous stasis. We present our own salvage procedure, the “modified poor man's leech”, in which continuous venous oozing from a de-epithelialised area is maintained by topical heparin and low molecular weight heparin injections and may save a congested flap.

Key Words::

• Superficial temporal artery
• facial reconstruction
• pedicled flaps
• venous congestion
• venous stasis
• heparin

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.