title: The reliability and advantages of the sentinel vein as a microsurgical recipient vessel.
abstract: Free flaps to the scalp, calvaria, and anterior and middle cranial fossae are typically transferred to the superficial temporal artery and vein. Occasionally the superficial temporal vein is unsuitable for microvascular anastomosis. In such cases, we have had success using the sentinel vein, a perforating vein located in the anterior aspect of the deep temporal fat pad. This article describes the pertinent anatomy, our clinical experience, and the advantages of the sentinel vein as a microsurgical recipient vessel.
authors.affiliation: Seton Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Brackenridge and Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, Austin, TX 78701, USA.
authors.forename: Steven L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Henry
authors.forename: Adam B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Weinfeld
authors.forename: Sanjay K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Timothy M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: Patrick K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Kelley
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D002550:Cerebral Veins / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery*; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000098:blood supply*