Nasal Tip Vascularization and Its Application for Columellar Reconstruction.

Abstract

Many studies have been published about the vascular anatomy of the nose and its utility for nasal reconstruction. Anatomic variations of the main arteries and their perforators are well described in the literature. A nasal tip perforator, not well described in the published studies, is analyzed in the present study and its utility for columellar reconstruction. This paper presents an anatomic study of the nasal tip artery and its clinical applications for columellar repair. This study investigated the nasal tip perforator artery during nasal tip flap surgery for columellar repair in patients with sequels after nasal continuous positive airway pressure use. A descriptive anatomic study was conducted using intraoperative vascular dissection of patients operated on for nasal columellar defects by the author between 2013 and 2018. An observational study of a group of patients operated on for columellar repair using the axial nasal tip flap is presented here. The nasal tip artery was found in all the intraoperative dissections. Location and trajectory are described. Observed columellar length and width in operated patients have been nonstatistical and significantly different than controls in this study. The presence and trajectory of the nasal tip artery have been consistent in all the studied cases. The nasal tip flap based on this perforator has been a useful method for columellar repair in the studied group of patients. The presence of this vessel may augment blood supply to the nasal tip skin. By confirming the preservation of this artery, the surgeon may elevate the nasal tip flap safely.