Facial Vessels Research Articles

Improved Remote Photoplethysmography Using Machine Learning-Based Filter Bank

Remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) is a non-contact technology that monitors heart activity by detecting subtle color changes within the facial blood vessels. It provides an unconstrained and unconscious approach that can be widely applied to health monitoring systems. In recent years, research has been actively conducted to improve rPPG signals and to extract significant information from facial videos. However, rPPG can be vulnerable to degradation due to changes in the illumination and motion of a subject, and overcoming these challenges remains difficult. In this study, we propose a machine learning-based filter bank (MLFB) noise reduction algorithm to improve the quality of rPPG signals. The MLFB algorithm determines the optimal spectral band for extracting information on cardiovascular activity and reconstructing an rPPG signal using a support vector machine. The proposed approach was validated with an open dataset, achieving a 35.5% (i.e., resulting in a mean absolute error of 2.5 beats per minute) higher accuracy than those of conventional methods. The proposed algorithm can be integrated into various rPPG algorithms for the pre-processing of RGB signals. Moreover, its computational efficiency is expected to enable straightforward implementation in system development, making it broadly applicable across the healthcare field.

Anatomical Considerations for Thread Lifting Procedure.

Thread lifting is a minimally invasive procedure that enhances facial aesthetics by repositioning sagging tissues with absorbable threads. It requires a comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy for safe and effective results. This study aims to highlight the critical anatomical considerations in thread lifting, including the navigation of facial vascular structures, the protection of facial nerves, manipulation of fat compartments, and engagement of retaining ligaments. These factors are essential for minimizing complications and achieving optimal outcomes. A review was conducted focusing on the anatomical elements critical to thread lifting. The study analyzed clinical outcomes related to vascular structures, nerve pathways, fat compartments, and ligaments in patients undergoing the procedure. The review revealed that careful navigation of facial blood vessels is crucial to avoid complications such as bleeding and bruising. Knowledge of facial nerve pathways is essential to prevent nerve damage, which could result in facial weakness or paralysis. Proper manipulation of facial fat compartments helps address aging-related changes, and engaging retaining ligaments is vital for a sustainable lift without tissue distortion. Thread lifting demands not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of facial anatomy to ensure patient safety and desired aesthetic results. Expertise in these anatomical considerations is essential for minimizing complications and preserving the natural function of facial structures.

Long-term Follow-up of Secondary Reconstruction of Facial Paralysis and Depressive Deformities After Subtotal Temporal Bone Resection.

Subtotal temporal bone resection (STBR) frequently results in facial paralysis and depression, making reconstruction challenging due to significant tissue loss. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a procedure designed for simultaneous smile and soft tissue reconstruction after STBR. The authors included 3 patients who underwent latissimus dorsi (LD) neuromuscular flap combined with adipose flap transfer after STBR at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital between 2010 and 2016. Among these patients, 2 had facial vessels unsuitable for anastomosis due to prior neck dissection, and their masseteric nerves were unavailable for neurorrhaphy due to STBR. The thoracodorsal nerve was coaptated to the contralateral facial nerve in all patients and to the ipsilateral masseter nerve in one patient. Follow-up periods ranged from 7 to 13 years, with all patients achieving spontaneous smiles within 12 months post-surgery. Although depressive deformities improved, long-term follow-up revealed buccal muscle bulging due to unstable LD muscle fixation from a zygomatic arch defect caused by STBR. Revision surgeries, including muscle refixation with a tensor fasciae lata graft, muscle reduction, eyebrow lifting, blepharoplasty, and adipose tissue repositioning, were performed as needed. Ultimately, all patients achieved satisfactory facial contours and spontaneous smiles. This study demonstrates that free LD muscle with adipose flap transfer is effective for post-STBR reconstruction. However, detailed surgical planning and multistage reconstruction are often necessary due to the complexities involved.

Contralateral submental artery island flap for oral tongue reconstruction — a retrospective study in patients with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in developing countries. The oral tongue is the most common site involved by OSCC. About a third of the patients have neck nodal metastasis at presentation. Reconstruction of the oral tongue after resection for cancer is necessary for proper rehabilitation. For patients who are medically unfit for prolonged surgery like a free tissue transfer, local flaps are employed for tongue reconstruction. The submental flap is a popular option. However, when there is extensive floor of mouth involvement or bulky nodal disease in ipsilateral level 1, harvesting the submental flap based on contralateral facial vessels is possible, without compromising oncological safety. We discuss the feasibility and outcomes of contralateral submental artery island flap for reconstruction after resection of oral tongue carcinoma in a retrospective series of 34 patients followed up for a median of 8.5 months. ResultsOf the 34 oral tongue cancer patients in the study, 16 had neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery. 33 underwent bilateral neck dissection. Two patients had partial flap loss which was managed conservatively. There were five patients who had either locoregional or distant recurrence, none in the flap site. Three had pathological positive nodes at contralateral level 1b and two had pathologically positive nodes in contralateral level 1b. Tongue motility and speech intelligibility were satisfactory on follow-up. ConclusionIn the properly selected patient, the contralateral submental artery island flap offers an oncologically safe and technically simpler alternative for free flap reconstruction.

Management of large head and neck defects in the vessel-depleted neck.

Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are often utilized in the treatment of head and neck cancer. These treatments can cause extensive scarring within the neck and can limit the viability of recipient vessels for further microvascular reconstruction. Patients with vessel-depleted necks provide a significant challenge for microvascular surgeons and are a topic of much discussion in the field. While reconstruction in the vessel-depleted neck is an active area of interest, the patient population is rare. Therefore, single institution series with small numbers comprise the majority of published literature. Recent publications describe techniques for identifying adequate recipient vessel options outside of the field of treatment with excellent free flap outcomes. Further, recent summary articles describe techniques for addressing issues with pedicle length that can arise when using vessels that are far from the defect to be reconstructed. When viable vessel options are available within the treatment field, these recipient vessels can be used with good reliability and free flap success. If in-field recipient vessels are not available, minimal access incisions can be used to identify superficial temporal, angular, contralateral facial, or transverse cervical vessels. Further away from the treatment field, internal mammary vessels can be harvested through open or robotic approaches. If the use of these distant vessels creates issues with pedicle length, interposition vein grafts, arteriovenous (AV) loops, or flow-through flaps can be used to augment vessel length.

Aesthetic and Functional Reconstruction of Periorbital Region Using Radial Forearm Free Flap.

This study describes the utilization of the radial forearm free flap (RFFF) for the restoration of severe soft tissue deficiency involving the upper and lower eyelids in three patients. This study is a retrospective review of the senior authors' clinical records for patients who presented with periorbital defect and underwent reconstruction with RFFF between 2018 and 2022. As a part of a comprehensive reconstructive surgery, we used the RFFF to deliver an ample amount of well-vascularized soft tissue. The flap's vessels were anastomosed to the ipsilateral facial vessels in all cases. Patients showed significant functional improvement, with complete eyelid closure achieved. No immediate postoperative complications were noted. RFFF demonstrated optimal outcomes in upper eyelid reconstruction.

Anatomy of the Buccal Space: Surgical and Radiological Perspectives.

Among the anatomical spaces in the head and neck area, the buccal space has often been studied in dental/oral surgery and cosmetic surgery because it contains the facial vessels, mandibular and facial nerves, and adipose tissue called the buccal fat pad. In addition, as the space can communicate with other spaces, it can be significant in infections. Although the anatomy of the buccal space has been reported in several studies, there have been discrepancies concerning its boundaries, and its communications have often been overlooked. The aim of this review is to examine the anatomy of buccal space including its boundaries, contents, continuity with adjacent spaces, and clinical significance. A literature review was performed on Google Scholar and PubMed. The literature has depicted the anterior, medial, and lateral boundaries more or less consistently, but descriptions of the posterior, superior, and inferior borders are controversial. The buccal space includes the facial arteries, veins, facial nerves, parotid duct, and lymph nodes, which can be described differently depending on definitions and the extent of the space. As it communicates with other anatomical spaces including the masticatory space, it can be a reservoir and a channel for infections and tumors. Buccal fat pads have various clinical applications, from a candidate for flap reconstruction to a target for removal for cosmetic purposes. This review will help understand the anatomy of the buccal space including its boundaries, residing structures, and communication with other spaces from surgical and radiological perspectives.

Synchrotron Phase-Contrast Imaging and Cochlear Otosclerosis: A Case Report

Introduction: Otosclerosis is a bone disorder affecting the labyrinthine capsule that leads to conductive and occasionally sensorineural hearing loss. The etiology of otosclerosis remains unknown; factors such as infection, hormones, inflammation, genetics, and autoimmunity have been discussed. Treatment consists primarily of surgical stapes replacement and cochlear implantation. High-resolution computed tomography is routinely used to visualize bone pathology. In the present study, we used synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging (SR-PCI) to examine otosclerosis plaques in a temporal bone for the first time. The primary aim was to study their three-dimensional (3D) outline, vascular interrelationships, and connections to the middle ear. Methods: A donated ear from a patient with otosclerosis who had undergone partial stapedectomy with the insertion of a stapes wire prosthesis was investigated using SR-PCI and compared with a control ear. Otosclerotic lesions were 3D rendered using the composite with shading technique. Scalar opacity and color mapping were adjusted to display volume properties with the removal of bones to enhance surfaces. Vascular bone channels were segmented, and the communications between lesions and the middle ear were established. Results: Fenestral, cochlear, meatal, and vestibular lesions were outlined three-dimensionally. Vascular bone channels were found to be frequently connected to the middle ear mucosa, perilabyrinthine air spaces, and facial nerve vessels. Round window lesions partly embedded the cochlear aqueduct which was pathologically narrowed, while the inferior cochlear vein was significantly dilated in its proximal part. Conclusion: Otosclerotic/otospongiotic lesions were imaged for the first time using SR-PCI and 3D rendering. The presence of shunts and abnormal vascular connections to the labyrinth appeared to result in hyper-vascularization, overloading the venous system, and leading to sensorineural hearing loss. We speculate about possible local treatments to alleviate the impact of such critical lesions on the labyrinthine microcirculation.

Versatility of Islanded Nasolabial Flap Based on Facial Artery and Vein for Reconstruction of Oral Cancer Defects, Experience in a Tertiary Care Center.

Conventional nasolabial flap has been widely used for reconstruction for head and neck defects. Recent decades witnessed modification of this flap like islanded version based on subcutaneous pedicle or facial artery and vein. The later modification obviated a need for pedicle division, secondary procedures and facilitates reach of the flap to distant sites. Especially, the islanded nasolabial flap pedicled on facial artery and vein can have a long pedicle to conveniently reach the tongue, floor of mouth when the flap is routed through retromandibular area. A retrospective analysis was done on 14 patients analyzing the functional outcome like deglutition, speech, and aesthetic outcome of flap donor area, recruiting patients in which islanded nasolabial flap was done based on facial vessels for early stages of cancer tongue and lip. In our series of 14 operated cases, all flaps survived. All the flaps were islanded over the skeletonized facial artery and vein. Tip necrosis occurred in one case. The donor site was closed primarily in all cases. The average speech scoring was grade five, Vancouver scar score of the flap donor area was 2.5 and intelligible speech was difficult in only three cases in follow up. We found this flap useful for reconstruction of small to moderate size defects of oral malignancy following excision with acceptable aesthetic and functional outcome in most of the patients.

Course and Relation of the Facial Vessels-An Anatomical Study.

Background and Objectives: Facial vascular anatomy plays a pivotal role in both physiological context and in surgical intervention. While data exist on the individual course of the facial artery and vein, to date, the spatial relationship of the vasculature has been ill studied. The aim of this study was to assess the course of facial arteries, veins and branches one relative to another. Materials and Methods: In a total of 90 halved viscerocrania, the facial vessels were injected with colored latex. Dissection was carried out, the relation of the facial vessels was studied, and the distance at the lower margin of the mandible was measured. Furthermore, branches including the labial and angular vessels were assessed. Results: At the base of the mandible, the facial artery was located anterior to the facial vein in all cases at a mean distance of 6.2 mm (range 0-15 mm), with three cases of both vessels adjacent. An angular vein was present in all cases, while an angular artery was only present in 34.4% of cases. Conclusions: The main trunk of the facial artery and vein yields a rather independent course, with the facial artery always located anterior to the vein, while their branches, especially the labial vessels, demonstrate a closer relationship.

Efficacy of Low-Dose Isotretinoin in the Treatment of Rosacea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Rosacea is a common cutaneous condition caused by persistent, recurring lesions in facial skin vessels. It is a chronic skin condition with a variety of clinical symptoms and an unknown cause. Rosacea begins with the widening of capillaries and a flushed appearance. Following that, telangiectasia appears, and reddened patches persist, particularly on the cheeks and nose. Erythema persists due to repeated vasodilationand telangiectasia. In addition, skin inflammation manifests as papules, pustules, lymphedema, and fibrosis. Despite recent advances in treatment, rosacea, a chronic inflammatory relapsing central facial dermatosis, can be extremely difficult to manage. The purpose of this meta-analysis and systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of low-dose isotretinoin in the treatment of rosacea. Following the guidelines set forth by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), the researcher employed the following search terms in the EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases to provide a therapeutic update relevant to clinical practice: "low dose isotretinoin," "isotretinoin and rosacea," "isotretinoin treatment of rosacea," and "effectiveness of isotretinoin in treating rosacea". The search was carried out by the researcher for articles published from February 2019 to February 2024. The articles included were all published in the English language. The overall frequency of patients with adverse events differed significantly between the groups treated with low-dose isotretinoin and the comparators(minocycline, pulsed dye laser, evening primrose oil, Lactobacillus plantarum, doxycycline, combined dose or placebo) (0.80, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.88, p = 0.0001). Sub-group analysis indicated that there was a difference between the interventions used in the treatments all in favor of low-dose isotretinoin treatment. The results showed that the moderate group had RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.44-1.30, I2 = 0%;the mild group had RR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.56-1.57, I2 = 0%;and the group with severe rosacea had RR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.47-1.13, I2 = 0%. According to this study, rosacea can be treated effectively with low-dose isotretinoin even in patients at severe stages of the disease by using the recommended dose once a week. Further, the intervention has also been shown to have fewer side effects on the patients. Therefore, this study recommends randomized controlled trials to be done to fully investigate the best combination options for isotretinoin on mild to severe rosacea based on the fact that some of the treatments combined have shown to be effective on treatment.

Application of V-Y advancement flap with facial artery perforator for the repair of midface skin defects

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of V-Y advancement flap with facial artery perforator for the repair of midface skin defects. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 18 patients with facial skin cancer, including 11 males and 7 females, aged 65-83 years, who underwent the repair of midface skin defects using V-Y advancement flap with facial artery perforator in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nantong University from January 2020 to April 2023. Medium, large or complex midface skin defects developed after surgical resections of the primary lesions. According to the defect site, size, location information of facial vessels, a V-Y advancement flap with appropriate shape was designed for each case. During the operation, the facial vessels and their perforators were retained in the pedicle of the flap, the facial nerve branches were dissected and protected, and the further denuded pedicle was determined according to actual amount of advancement. After the flap was advanced, the facial defect area was repaired without tension, and the anatomical positions and functions of the eyes, nose and mouth were restored as far as possible. Postoperative follow-ups were conducted to observe the survival rate of the flaps, postoperative complications, recurrences and metastases of tumors. Results: Midface defects of 3.0 cm×3.5 cm-6.5 cm×7.5 cm were observed after tumor resections, which involved one or more subregions. The sizes of the flaps were 3.5 cm×9.0 cm-7.0 cm×18.0 cm. All flaps were completely alive except for one with temporary local bruising. With following-up of 4-40 months, 5 of the 12 patients with lower eyelid and inner canthus invasions had lower eyelid ectropion, but no exposed keratitis was found; one case with poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma had lymph node metastasis in the submandibular region and underwent neck dissection again; no recurrence or metastasis occurred in the remaining cases. Conclusion: The V-Y advancement flap with facial artery perforator can be used to repair medium, large or complex midface skin defects, with a high survival rate, and the operation method is safe and reliable.

Anatomical Study of the Application of a Galeo-Pericranial Flap in Oral Cavity Defects Reconstruction.

Oral cavity defects occur after resection of lesions limited to the mucosa, alveolar gum, or minimally affecting the bone. Aiming at esthetical and functional improvements of intraoral reconstruction, the possibility of harvesting a new galeo-pericranial free flap was explored. The objective of this study was to assess the technical feasibility of flap harvesting through anatomical dissections and surgical procedure simulations. Ten head and neck specimens were dissected to simulate the surgical technique and evaluate the vascular calibers of temporal and cervical vessels. The procedure was therefore reproduced on a revascularized and ventilated donor cadaver. Anatomical dissections demonstrated that the mean cervical vascular calibers are compatible with superficial temporal ones, proving to be adequate for anastomosis. Perforating branches of the superficial temporal vascularization nourishing the pericranium were identified in all specimens. In conclusion, blood flow presence was recorded after anastomosing superficial temporal and facial vessels in the revascularized donor cadaver, demonstrating both this procedure's technical feasibility and the potential revascularization of the flap and therefore encouraging its potential in vivo application.

Primary Free Flaps for Coverage and Reconstruction in Acute Facial Trauma.

Background Acute facial trauma in motor vehicle accident defects may be associated with skeletal, neuromuscular, or mucosal losses. Simultaneous repair of the critical structures in these defects mandates the use of flap cover; paucity of local tissues necessitates the use of free skin flaps. Materials and Methods Six free flap reconstructions for acute facial trauma defects over a 10-year period were reviewed. The defect location, associated injuries, flap choice, additional reconstructive procedures, and flap outcomes were analyzed. Results There were four males and two females with ages between 18 and 63 years. Four defects were located in the lateral face and scalp, and two in the lower central face. Defect size ranged between 96 and 346 cm 2 . There were fractures in three, facial nerve injuries in two, and loss of facial muscles in one. Five free flaps were anterolateral thigh flap; simple and composite, one was a radial artery forearm flap. Recipient pedicles were the superficial temporal vessels in two and facial vessels in four cases. There were no re-explorations but one flap necrosed on 7th postoperative day on account of invasive aspergillosis. Discussion Use of free flaps for ballistic wounds is common. In uncommon nonballistic traumatic facial defects, the location, nature of the defect, and type of associated injuries and need for simultaneous reconstructions may dictate the use of free flaps and permit a one stage debridement, flap coverage, and a simultaneous reconstruction of lost functional units. Conclusion Free flap coverage in high velocity acute facial trauma defects offers a better possibility for primary reconstruction of associated facial injuries and helps in achieving better functional outcomes.

Intraoral Microvascular Anastomosis in Immediate Free Flap Reconstruction for Midfacial Tumor Defects: A Retrospective Multicenter Study.

(1) Background: The current landscape of midface reconstruction is marked by ongoing evolution, with notable advancements in surgical techniques, microvascular procedures, and the implementation of multidisciplinary approaches, all of which have significantly enhanced both functional and aesthetic outcomes. Conventionally, microvascular anastomoses for free flaps in midfacial reconstruction have been executed using cervical vessels. However, this approach necessitates neck access, resulting in extraoral scars and a substantial pedicle length. In light of these considerations, using intraoral anastomoses via the facial vessels emerges as a promising alternative. This retrospective multicentric study aims to provide a comprehensive account of immediate midface reconstruction through intraoral anastomoses. (2) Methods: Between 2020 and 2023, patients were included who underwent intraoral resection of midface/orbit segments (Brown Classes I-VI) as a result of malignant diseases. In all cases, immediate reconstruction was accomplished by utilizing the facial vessels through an intraoral approach. Outcome criteria were identification of vessels, parotid duct or facial nerve damage, success of vascular anastomoses, and flap survival. (3) Results: A total of 117 patients with 132 flaps (91 osseous and 41 cutaneous) were included. The intraoral preparation of facial vessels was successfully completed in less than 1 h, and no complications related to the dissection or anastomoses were observed. In two cases, the vessel diameter was insufficient to facilitate anastomoses, necessitating adopting an extraoral approach. During a follow-up period of 48 months, two osseous flaps were lost, accounting for a 1.5% loss rate out of 132 flaps used. Additionally, 3 flaps experienced partial loss, including a skin island of a scapula, the border zone of a femur, and a rectus flap, resulting in a 2.3% partial loss rate out of 130 flaps utilized. (4) Conclusions: This case series underscores the feasibility of employing intraoral anastomoses for immediate complex midface reconstruction following oncological resection. This approach is particularly advantageous for flaps with shorter pedicles, as it helps mitigate external scarring and minimizes the risk of facial nerve injury.

High-resolution US of the facial vessels with new facial vein landmarks for reconstructive surgery and dermal injection

BackgroundAccurate knowledge of vessel anatomy is essential in facial reconstructive surgery. The technological advances of ultrasound (US) equipment with the introduction of new high-resolution probes improved the evaluation of facial anatomical structures. Our study had these objectives: the primary objective was to identify new surgical landmarks for the facial vein and to verify their precision with US, the secondary objective was to evaluate the potential of high-resolution US examination in the study of both the facial artery and vein.MethodsTwo radiologists examined a prospective series of adult volunteers with a 22–8 MHz hockey-stick probe. Two predictive lines of the facial artery and vein with respective measurement points were defined. The distance between the facial vein and its predictive line (named mandibular-orbital line) was determined at each measurement point. The distance from the skin and the area of the two vessels were assessed at every established measurement point.ResultsForty-one volunteers were examined. The median distance of the facial vein from its predictive line did not exceed 2 mm. The facial vein was visible at every measurement point in all volunteers on the right side, and in 40 volunteers on the left. The facial artery was visible at every measurement point in all volunteers on the right and in 37 volunteers on the left.ConclusionsThe facial vein demonstrated a constant course concerning the mandibular-orbital line, which seems a promising clinical and imaging-based method for its identification. High-resolution US is valuable in studying the facial artery and vein.Relevance statementHigh-resolution US is valuable for examining facial vessels and can be a useful tool for pre-operative assessment, especially when combined with the mandibular-orbital line, a new promising imaging and clinical technique to identify the facial vein.Key points• High-resolution US is valuable in studying the facial artery and vein.• The facial vein demonstrated a constant course concerning its predictive mandibular-orbital line.• The clinical application of the mandibular-orbital line could help reduce facial surgical and cosmetic procedure complications.Graphical

Symmetrical sporotrichosis on the face: pathogen spread from the nose along both sides of facial lymphatic vessels?

Symmetrical sporotrichosis on the face: pathogen spread from the nose along both sides of facial lymphatic vessels?

Reverse submandibular gland flap: An alternative for reconstruction of medium-sized oral defects

Despite the development of microsurgery, local flaps still play an essential role in the reconstruction of head and neck defects. The submandibular gland flap (SMGF) has proven to be a reliable method for repairing medium-sized defects. It requires a shorter duration of general anesthesia and has fewer donor site complications compared to the free flap. However, the restricted vascular pedicle length limits its application. Retrograde flow is one solution. The authors describe a novel technique of using reverse submandibular gland flap (RSMGF) for the reconstruction of oral cavity defects. Additional vascular pedicle length was obtained by ligating the proximal end and dissecting the distal end of the facial vessels, thus extending its application range. The RSMGF is technically feasible and suitable for repairing medium-sized defects of the oral cavity (cT2 stage tumor) like buccal mucosa, especially for the elderly in poor general condition, for whom free flaps are not applicable.

Intraoral anastomosis for primary microsurgical reconstruction in patients of oral cavity malignancies: Retrospective analysis of 30 cases from a tertiary care center in India

In patients undergoing either robotic neck dissection or no neck dissection, the neck recipient vessels for the free flaps remain unexposed. Intraoral vessels have been successfully used as microvascular recipients but their use in intraoral malignancies is uncommon. We describe our initial experience of using intraoral recipients in 30 patients with oral cavity malignancies. For this retrospective observational study, the hospital records of all patients who underwent microvascular reconstruction using intraoral recipient vessels over a 14-month period at a tertiary care hospital in India were studied. Patient demographics, disease profile, details of oncosurgical resection, reconstructive procedure details, and postoperative recovery data were analyzed. Intraoral anastomosis was successfully performed in 30 patients. The average patient was middle-aged (mean age 54 years) and male (26/30). Location of the postexcision defect was the buccal mucosa in 16/30 and the tongue in 12/30 patients. Anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) was used in 28/30 patients. Recipient vessels were facial vessels in 24/30 patients and lingual vessels in 6/30 patients. Venous anastomotic coupler was used in 27/30 patients. Three patients underwent re-exploration for flap congestion with loss of flap in 2/30 patients. The intraoral approach offers consistent vascular anatomy and can be performed without any external incision and oro-cervical tunneling. Being technically challenging, it has an initial learning phase. Adequate mouth opening and preservation of recipient vessels during excision and neck dissection are important prerequisites. This approach can offer a scarless reconstruction, which can improve the psycho-social rehabilitation of the patients.

The notch of the mandible: what do different fields call it?

The bony notch on the inferior border of the mandible, anterior to the attachment of the masseter muscle, where the facial vessels commonly pass, has been called different names in the literature, e.g., premasseteric notch, antegonial notch, and notch for the facial vessels. Interestingly, various disciplines have leaned toward different names for this notch. Therefore, to aid in consistent communication among professionals, the present study aimed to analyze usage of these varied terms and make recommendations for the best terminology. Based on the adjacent anatomical structures used to name this notch, three groups were analyzed in this study, a group using masseter in the term, a group using gonion in the term, and a group using facial vessels in the term. A literature search found that the group using gonion in the term was found most in the literature. The orthodontics field used gonion in the term the most (29.0%: 31/107) followed by the oral and maxillofacial surgery field (14.0%: 15/107), the plastic surgery field (4.7%: 5/107), and the anatomy field (3.7%: 4/107). The dental field used gonion in this term the most (43.9%: 47/107) and the medical field used facial vessels in the term the most (33.3%: 6/18). Based on these results, the use of gonial terms for this notch seems to be preferred.