title: The supraclavicular artery flap for head and neck reconstruction.
abstract: IMPORTANCE This study demonstrates the versatility of the supraclavicular artery (SCA) flap in head and neck reconstruction and offers technical highlights to improve the efficiency of flap harvest. OBJECTIVES To report our series of diverse reconstructions utilizing the SCA flap and to highlight several technical aspects of flap harvest that make the procedure more safe, reliable, and efficient. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A retrospective review was conducted from July 2011 to December 2012 on all patients who had undergone SCA flap reconstruction of a head and neck defect at a tertiary referral center. The average follow-up time was 8 months. INTERVENTION OR EXPOSURE Supraclavicular artery flap reconstruction of defects at various head and neck subsites. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE Reconstructive outcomes and complications were assessed and cases were reviewed to identify key aspects of flap harvest. RESULTS Twenty-four SCA flaps were performed on defects at multiple head and neck subsites. Several technical modifications were developed to increase the safety and efficiency of flap harvest. Complications were typically self-limited and were successfully managed nonsurgically. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The SCA flap is a versatile and reliable reconstructive option for head and neck defects. There are 4 key steps to making the harvest of this flap safe, reliable, and efficient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.
authors.affiliation: Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Otology and Laryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston.
authors.forename: Marc W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Herr
authors.affiliation: Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Otology and Laryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston.
authors.forename: Kevin S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Emerick
authors.affiliation: Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Otology and Laryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston.
authors.forename: Daniel G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Deschler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001158:Arteries / Q000637:transplantation; D002968:Clavicle / Q000098:blood supply; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006085:Graft Survival; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D064827:Myocutaneous Flap / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000637:transplantation*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology