[Reliability of superficial temporal artery and vein as the recipient vessels in free flap transfers in head and neck region].
OBJECTIVE
To examine the reliability of superficial temporal artery and vein as the recipient vessels in free flap transfers in head and neck region.


METHODS
From May 2001 to June 2008, 25 cases of head and neck reconstructions were performed by using the vessels in the temporal region as recipient vessels.


RESULTS
Among the 25 recipient veins, 23 were superficial temporal veins, and 2 were deep temporal veins. The recipient arteries of all 25 free flaps were superficial temporal arteries. All the free flaps survived completely, without postoperative vessel thrombosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The superficial temporal artery and vein can be used as reliable recipient vessels in free flap transfers in head and neck region.
Mao
Chi
C
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China. maochi@yahoo.cn
Yu
Guang-yan
GY
Peng
Xin
X
Zhang
Lei
L
Guo
Chuan-bin
CB
Huang
Min-xian
MX
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D006257:Head / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013699:Temporal Arteries / Q000637:transplantation*; D014680:Veins / Q000637:transplantation*; D055815:Young Adult