title: Reconstruction of the ala of the nose using a composite free flap from the pinna.
abstract: A new method of reconstruction of the nasal ala is described using a composite free flap taken from the anterior part of the pinna, based upon the superficial temporal vessels. Forty cadaver dissections have been performed to assess variations in vascular anatomy and a direct branch of the superficial temporal artery was found in 90% of subjects. The flap has been used successfully in two cases.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000601:surgery; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D004285:Dogs; D004431:Ear, External / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009666:Nose / Q000293:injuries; D009669:Nose Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D013699:Temporal Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology