Supraclavicular Artery Flap Research Articles

Supraclavicular Artery Flap for Head and Neck Reconstruction

Reconstruction of various defects following head and neck surgery is crucial for restoring both function and aesthetics. Over the years, various flap techniques have been developed to meet these demands. The supraclavicular artery flap is a versatile option readily accessible within the same surgical field during head and neck surgery. Its similarity in texture, color, and contour to the facial region makes it particularly useful for reconstructing defects in the neck and lower face. Additionally, its thin and pliable nature, coupled with a moderate volume, renders it suitable for a wide range of applications, including intraoral defects, pharyngeal defects, and contour refinement in facial surgery. In this paper, we present a method for reconstructing defects in the head and neck region using the supraclavicular artery flap, and discuss its utility, advantages, and limitations.

Surgical cervicothoracic-flap repair of neoesophagus–airway fistula after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: A retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo evaluate outcomes of surgical repair of postesophagectomy neoesophagus–airway fistulas (NEAFs). MethodsWe retrospectively included consecutive patients with NEAF managed by various techniques at our center between August 2009 and July 2021. ResultOf the 11 patients (median age, 60 years; interquartile range, 58, 62), 4 had received induction chemoradiotherapy and 4 others induction chemotherapy. NEAF was mainly a complication of anastomotic leakage (n = 6) or attempted stenosis treatment (n = 3). The airway mainly involved was the trachea (n = 8). Airway defects were repaired by resection–anastomosis (n = 5), perforator flaps (n = 4), pedicled pericardium (n = 1), and/or direct suturing (n = 2). Gastric conduit defects were repaired by perforator flaps (n = 6), direct suturing (n = 2), or pedicled pericardium (n = 1). Of the 7 perforator flaps, 4 were internal mammary–artery, two dorsal intercostal–artery, and one supraclavicular–artery flaps. After a median follow-up of 100 months, 2 patients died on early postoperative course from NEAF repair failure and 3 from late NEAF recurrence at 4, 11, and 33 months. Among the remaining 6 patients, 1 died from local tumoral recurrence at 13 months, 1 was last on follow-up at 27 months, alive and eating normally. The other 4 were free from NEAF recurrence and dysphagia or swallowing disorder at 50 months’ follow-up. These 4 results were obtained thanks to perforator flap interposition and airway resection anastomosis. ConclusionsSurgical NEAF repair using perforator flap interposition may provide satisfactory long-term function after strong prehabilitation.

Surgical Use of Supraclavicular Artery Flap for Head and Neck Cancer Defects Repair: Personal Experience.

Introduction For a long time, major surgical defects after oncological surgery have always been challenging cases for surgeons in terms of wound healing and covering technique. Objectives To demonstrate the feasibility of supraclavicular artery flap (SCAF) in the reconstruction of surgical defects in those "fragile" patients undergoing oncological surgery who could not possibly have endured the timeframes involved in using microvascular free flaps. Methods Between January 2018 and January 2019, at the Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Bergamo Est Hospital (Bergamo, Italy), we reported the cases of 11 patients in whom the SCAF was used for surgical reconstruction after oncological surgery in our Otolaryngology Department. The median age of the 11 patients was 68.7 years old. Results The SCAF has proved, in almost all 11 cases in which it was used, to be very reliable and, above all, easy and quick to make in those "fragile" patients without the need for further intervention. There was only one case in which the resection involved the auricle entirely and a small area of perimeatal bone exposure occurred, which, anyway, healed by secondary intention. Conclusion The SCAF is an extremely versatile flap for head and neck surgery to be considered especially for fragile and vulnerable patients who cannot undergo prolonged surgical time. Moreover, this technique has also shown high feasibility in small hospitals where there is not a plastic surgery department and the surgeon may face the difficulty of practicing surgical reconstruction after enlarged resection.

A Comprehensive Review on the Supraclavicular Flap for Head and Neck Reconstruction.

The supraclavicular artery flap (SCF) is a highly vascularized fasciocutaneous flap overlying the shoulder. The flap was first described in 1979 by Lamberty but did not gain popularity until much later due to lack of a reliable technique. The main advantages of using the SCF include avoiding microsurgical techniques, requiring only a single-stage operation, shorter operative time compared with alternative options, and a wider patient population including those with comorbidities who may be excluded from more extensive operations including free flaps surgeries. The SCF has been successfully performed on individuals with advanced age, poor nutrition, cachexia, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, asthma, and steroid use. The largest disadvantages of the SCF include the possibility of distal tip necrosis, size limitation without pre-expansion, and a moderately visible donor site scar. The following review and meta-analysis of the SCF details its use historically as both an island and a pedicle flap, and its application in head and neck reconstruction.

Supraclavicular Artery Flap “its weightage in reconstructing burn neck contracture”

Back ground: Flexion contractures of neck are a common sequel of deep burns. Severity varies from discrete linear bands to severe Labiomentosternal contractures leading to functional and cosmetic impairment. Use of local flaps can produce best restoration of form and function. Objectives: This study was meant to analyze clinical utility, advantages and any complications specific to islanded supraclavicular artery flap. Patients and methods: This was a descriptive study carried out at department of plastic and reconstructive surgery Mayo hospital Lahore between January 2005 and November 2006. Ten patients presenting with neck contractures with-out evidence of trauma in supraclavicular fossae, shoulder and deltoid region were included in the study. History and physical examination details including extent of contracture and cosmetic impairment were endorsed. Essential preoperative workup was done accordingly including assessment by anesthetist. Results: Ten patients with varying severity of neck contractures were included in the study. Age range was 15-35 years. Average hospital stay was 10 days. Five patients had severe labiomentosternal contractures. Eight patients reported neck wound appearing excellent at 6 months postoperatively. In contrast donor area appearance was reported satisfactory by 7 and poor by 3 patients at 6 months. Functional consequences were most with 6 patients having full range of motion (ROM) and 4 patients having limited but satisfactory ROM. There is no reported recurrence so far. Conclusion: Supraclavicular artery based islanded fasciocutaneous flap is a reliable reconstructive tool ideally suited to cover defects in the region of neck to restore form and function.

Comparison of Supraclavicular Artery Flap and Skin Graft in Management of Neck Contractures

Background: Burn cases are highly prevalent in developing countries like Pakistan. If not managed timely they can result in lifetime complications as well as morbidity. Aim: To compare the supraclavicular artery flap method with skin graft. Place and duration of study: Department of Plastic Surgery, Allama Iqbal Memorial Hospital, Sialkot from 1st September 2015 to 31st August 2019. Methodology: In this comparative study forty four patients were enrolled and half were operated by supraclavicular artery flap method and other half by skin graft procedure. The patients were followed for their skin contour, colour matching and neck extension improvement and recurrent neck contracture after a year. Results: Mean age of the patients was 29.5 years with 75% as females. Only one patient had recurrent neck contracture from supraclavicular artery flap group while 81.8% of skin graft showed recurrent neck contracture Conclusion: Supraclavicular artery flap is a better management approach in post neck contracture burn patients. Key words: Supravlaciular artery flap, Skin graft, Neck contractures

Islanded supraclavicular artery flap: A versatile flap for oral reconstruction

There is a paucity of information on listener perceptions of Individuals with a Laryngectomy (IWL) based on different modes of speech, in particular, speech following Supracricoid Laryngectomy (SCL).

Taking a step down on the reconstruction ladder for head and neck reconstruction during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundMost of the head and neck cancers are time-critical and need urgent surgical treatment. Our unit is one of the departments in the region, at the forefront in treating head and neck cancers in Pakistan. We have continued treating these patients in the COVID-19 pandemic with certain modified protocols. The objective of this study is to share our experience and approach towards head and neck reconstruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsThere were a total of 31 patients, 20 (64.5%) were males and 11 (35.4%) patients were females. The mean age of patients was 52 years. Patients presented with different pathologies, i.e. Squamous cell carcinoma n = 26 (83.8%), mucoepidermoid carcinoma n = 2 (6.4%), adenoid cystic carcinoma n = 2 (6.4%) and mucormycosis n = 1 (3%). The reconstruction was done with loco-regional flaps like temporalis muscle flap n = 12 (38.7%), Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap n = 8 (25.8%), supraclavicular artery flap n = 10 (32.2%) and combination of fore-head, temporalis major and cheek rotation flaps n = 1 (3%). Defects involved different regions like maxilla n = 11 (35.4%), buccal mucosa n = 6 (19.3%), tongue with floor of mouth n = 6 (19.3%), mandible n = 4 (12.9%), parotid gland, mastoid n = 3 (9.6%) and combination of defects n = 1 (3%). Metal reconstruction plate was used in 3 (9.6%) patients with mandibular defects. All flaps survived, with the maximum follow-up of 8 months and minimum follow-up of 6 months.ConclusionPedicled flaps are proving as the workhorse for head and neck reconstruction in unique global health crisis. Vigilant use of proper PPE and adherence to the ethical principles proves to be the only shield that will benefit patients, HCW and health system.

SUPRACLAVICULAR ARTERY FLAP: A SAFE, VERSATILE AND A RELIABLE FLAP A NEW WORKHORSE IN HEAD AND NECK RECONSTRUCTION OUR CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

Background: Anterior cervical contractures of the neck represent a great challenge for plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Necks can be reconstructed with a wide range of surgical techniques. The supraclavicular flap is easy to harvest without the need for free tissue transfer. It provides a relatively large flap for neck resurfacing with tissue very similar to that of the neck. Material and Methods: This study was carried out in the Plastic Surgery Department of GMC Srinagar between November 2015 and October 2019. It involved 50 patients (40 females and 10 males), in whom supraclavicular artery flap was done to reconstruct head and neck. Follow-up period ranged from 2-27 months (average 12.3). Results: The study involved 50 patients. Mean age was 26.5 years (range 57-12 years). Thirty five patients had post-burn neck contractures, five patients had portwine stain face, three had marjolin ulcer, four patients had post traumatic and three had post bear maul defect. We harvested unilateral flaps in all of patients. In thirty five patients the flap was pedicled, three had adipofascial pedicle and twelve were islanded. The size of the reconstructed defect ranged from 23x10 to 14x6, and the size of the flap varied from 16x7cm to 25x11. Mean length was 21.7 cm. We used a partial thickness skin graft for donor site closure in 41 cases and closed primarily in 9 cases. Flap was used to resurface neck in 35 patients, face resurfacing in 10 patients, as intraoral lining in 3 patients. The following complications occurred: hematoma in 3 cases, partial distal necrosis in 2 cases, and donor site graft loss in 3 cases. Follow-up period ranged from 2-27 months Conclusion: The supraclavicular artery island flap is a thin, malleable fasciocutaneous flap that is easily and rapidly harvested, with a reliable pedicle and minimal donor site morbidity. It constitutes an alternative to local flaps, while providing equivalent functional results, and must be an integral part of the head and neck reconstructive surgeons therapeutic armamentarium.

Supraclavicular Artery Flap versus Skin Graft: Which Is a Better Reconstructive Tool for Managing Post-Burn Contractures in the Neck.

BACKGROUNDBurn in developing countries still has high burden of inadequately managed severe burns. This study compared supraclavicular artery flap and skin graft in managing neck post-burn contractures.METHODSIn National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine and Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan, 30 patients with neck post-burn contractures were enrolled. Half of patients randomly underwent supraclavicular artery flap and half received skin graft. The outcome measures including initial improvement in neck extension, patient’s satisfaction with color-texture-match and recurrent contracture formation rate were assessed.RESULTSAmong patients, 80% were female and 20% were male. Preoperatively, each group had post-burn contractures of grade II among 26.66% of patients, grade III among 60% and grade III among 13.3%. Postoperatively after three months in the two groups, 86.66% improved to grade I and 13.3% improved to grade II. Patient’s satisfaction with color-texture was 84.66% in supraclavicular artery flap group, whereas it was 42.66% for skin graft group. Complications were hypertrophic scar at donor site (13%) and flap tip necrosis (6.66%) in supraclavicular artery flap group. In skin graft group, partial skin graft loss was noticed among 33% of patients and delayed healing of donor site among 20%. The recurrent contracture formation rate at one year was 73.33% in skin graft group, whereas there was no case of recurrent contracture in supraclavicular artery flap group. CONCLUSIONSupraclavicular artery flap was superior to skin graft in managing post-burn neck contractures. It provided better color-texture match and was associated with no recurrence of contracture formation.

Reconstruction of Head and Neck Region with Supraclavicular Artery Flap.

Although frequently used head and neck reconstruction methods are perforator flaps and free flaps, supraclavicular artery (SCA) flaps are newly used in skin defect reconstructions. In this study, we shared the experience of the SCA flap to evaluate whether there is a strong option in the head and neck. This prospective clinical cohort study of 28 patients, including 11 men, 12 women, and 5 children was performed between 2016 and 2020years in the patients who were planned with SCA flap for burns, tracheostomy, or after malignant skin tumor of head and neck region. Seventeen of our patients were burnt, 8 malignant skin tumors, and 3 were used to repair the wound that did not heal after tracheostomy. In one patient, the tissues could not be closed primarily because the skin lost its elasticity due to a burn in the surrounding tissues. No flap necrosis dehisens or any other complications were seen and our patients were discharged with complete recovery. While only two patients stated moderate satisfaction orally, the other patients liked the result very much. On the other side, all the patients declared no loss of functionality following this SCA flap surgery. The SCA proved itself as a strong reconstructive flap for the head and neck, and has consistently demonstrated a reliable flap to provide a perfect color match. II, Randomized clinical cohort study.

Supraclavicular artery flaps for head and neck reconstruction: a prospective study

Reconstruction of defects of the head and neck remains a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. This is due to the complex anatomy of the region as well as the age and comorbidities of the patients, which prevent the use of free tissue transfer as the primary tool of reconstruction. The supraclavicular artery (SCA) island flap is a well vascularised tissue and provides a thin and pliable skin for cutaneous and mucosal defects of the head and neck region. Here, we had done this flap for eight patients with no major complications and hence, we concur that it is a safe, reliable and versatile reconstructive option for these defects. The study period was from January 2015 to June 2016 where we operated on 8 patients, 5 for post burn contracture neck and 3 for post oncologic resection. The flap was used as a pedicled fascio-cutaneous and was based on the transverse supraclavicular artery. Eight cases underwent supraclavicular artery flap of which 5 were males and 3 females. Mean defect size was 15×10 cm. All the donor sites were closed with a split skin graft. One patient had distal necrosis which was managed with debridement and secondary suturing. The supraclavicular artery flap is a thin, versatile, reliable and easy to harvest flap for reconstructing head and neck defects, with good cosmetic and functional outcome.

PERFORMANCE STATUS AND QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER RECONSTRUCTIONS OF BUCCAL MUCOSAL AND RETROMOLAR TRIGONE DEFECTS BY SKIN AND FASCIAL FLAPS IN ONCOLOGYCAL PATIENTS

The aim: of the study is to compare surgical and functional results as well as quality of life after use of skin flaps - platysma myocutaneus flap, supraclavicular artery flap and fascial flaps - temporoparietal fascial flap, buccal fat pad for plastic closure of the buccal and retromolar trigone mucous surgical defects in cancer patients. Material and methods: A retrospective comparative analysis of the results of surgical treatment of buccal and retromolar trigone mucosal cancer in 56 patients operated from 2009 to 2014 was made. The patients were divided into two groups: the first included 26 patients, with reconstruction of fascial flaps, the second group included 30 patients, with reconstruction of postoperative defects with skin flaps. Surgical results: the average duration of surgery, the average duration of inpatient treatment and the presence of complications were compared in the both groups. Functional results in both groups were compared in 6 and 12 months after surgery with the Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Patients (PSS-HN), and quality of life was assessed by the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire, version 4. Results: Average duration of surgery, average time of inpatient treatment, and postoperative complications did not differ significantly in both groups (P> 0.05). Data of performance status and quality of life in patients with reconstruction of mucosal defects and retromolar trigone with skin flaps were significantly better (P> 0.05) in 6 and 12 months after surgery, compared with the group of patients who underwent defect reconstruction with fascial flaps. Conclusions: The method of choice in reconstruction of medium and large defects of the buccal and the retromolar trigone mucous is usage of skin flaps: the platysma myocutaneus flap and the flap of the supraclavicular artery.

Indocyanine green fluorescence videoangiography for reliable variations of supraclavicular artery flaps.

BackgroundPedicled flaps are useful for reconstructive surgery. Previously, we often used vascularized supraclavicular flaps, especially for head and neck reconstruction, but then shifted to using thoracic branch of the supraclavicular artery (TBSA) flaps. However, limited research exists on the anatomy of TBSA flaps and on the use of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence videoangiography for supraclavicular artery flaps. We utilized ICG fluorescence videoangiography to harvest reliable flaps in reconstructive operations, and describe the results herein.MethodsData were retrospectively reviewed from six patients (five men and one woman: average age, 54 years; range, 48–60 years) for whom ICG videoangiography was performed to observe the skin perfusion of a supraclavicular flap after it was raised. Areas where the flap showed good enhancement were considered to be favorable for flap survival. The observation of ICG dye indicated good skin perfusion, which is predictive of flap survival; therefore, we trimmed any areas without dye filling and used the remaining viable part of the flap.ResultsThe flaps ranged in size from 13×5.5 cm to 17×6.5 cm. One patient received a conventional supraclavicular flap, four patients received a TBSA flap, and one patient received a flap that was considered to be intermediate between a supraclavicular flap and a TBSA flap. The flaps completely survived in all cases, and no flap necrosis was observed.ConclusionsThe TBSA flap is very useful in reconstructive surgery, and reliable flaps could be obtained by using ICG fluorescence videoangiography intraoperatively.

Role of fasciocutaneous supraclavicular artery flap in reconstruction of the maxillofacial soft tissue defects

Role of fasciocutaneous supraclavicular artery flap in reconstruction of the maxillofacial soft tissue defects

Usefulness of supraclavicular flap inreconstruction following resection oforalcancer.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the usefulness of supraclavicular artery flap in reconstruction of defects following resection of buccal mucosa cancer.MethodsTwenty-five patients who presented to R.L Jalappa Hospital and Research centre and diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa staged T2 and above were included in our study. All patients underwent wide excision of tumour and neck dissection. Six patients underwent hemi-mandibulectomy while 4 patients underwent marginal mandibulectomy depending on extent of the tumour along with neck dissection. The defect following surgery was reconstructed using the supraclavicular artery flap and were followed up for minimum 6 months during which they were assessed for the functional and aesthetic outcome using a scoring system. The details of the scoring system comprised of 7 attributes. Each attribute was given a score of 10 if the patients experienced that attribute, while a score of 0 was given if the patient did not experience that particular attribute.ResultsSeven (28%) patients had complete necrosis of the flap. One patient had a local recurrence 2 months following surgery and was lost to follow up. The remaining 17 patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months and a scoring system was adopted to evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcome of the supraclavicular flap. We observed that 14 patients had an excellent outcome score (58%), 3 patients had a good outcome score (13%), while 7 patients (28%) had flap necrosis.ConclusionsWe find the supraclavicular flap to be safe, technically simple, sensate, thin, pliable and reliable regional fasciocutaneous flap in reconstructing intra oral defects. Preserving the external jugular vein and sacrificing supraclavicular nerves give good outcome.

Supraclavicular Flap Reconstruction of Cutaneous Defects Has Lower Complication Rate than Mucosal Defects.

Background The objective of this study was to determine whether there was a difference in complication rate between cutaneous and mucosal defects reconstructed with the supraclavicular artery flap. Methods Retrospective review of postoperative complications in 63 patients from 2008 to 2015 with cutaneous and mucosal head and neck defects following oncologic ablation reconstructed with the supraclavicular flap, with a minimum follow-up duration of 6 months. Of the 63 patients, 38 patients had cutaneous defects, whereas 25 had mucosal defects. Patients were followed up postoperatively to determine the presence of wound infection, partial flap necrosis, complete flap necrosis, and fistula formation. Complications in both defect groups as well as a statistical comparison of total complications were analyzed. Results Patients with cutaneous defects reconstructed with the supraclavicular flap had significantly lower postoperative complications than those with mucosal defects (p = 0.002). Flap necrosis, both partial and complete, was also lower in this same group (p = 0.0052). Conclusion The supraclavicular artery flap may be a more suitable option for patients with cutaneous defects, given the reliability and lower propensity for postoperative complications Level of Evidence The level of evidence is 4.

Supraclavicular Artery Flap – A promising versatile Flap: An early Experience

ABSTRACT Introduction Reconstruction of major head and neck defects remains challenging for head and neck surgeons . As esthetic expectations are extremely demanding, in terms of colormatch, texture and functional dexterity. Reconstructive options range widely from skin grafts tolocoregional or even free flaps. The need of the hour would be a versatile flap that harbours only the desired characteristics of both local and free flaps. Materials and methods Patients requiring local flap reconstruction after excision of the head and neck malignant lesion in our department, were included in the study after informed consent. Results Two patients had reconstruction of the extended radical parotidectomy skin defect and one patient had intraoral defect post oncological resection, which were reconstructed with supraclavicular artery flap. Conclusion The early experience of using supraclavicular artery flap in three cases of head and neck reconstruction following oncological resection is highly gratifying. How to cite this article Janardhan D, Thomas S, Krishnan SK, Kottaram PJ. Supraclavicular Artery Flap – A promising versatile Flap: An early Experience. Int J Head Neck Surg 2016;7(4):228-230.

Extensive squamous cell carcinoma of the ear – reconstruction with supraclavicular artery flap

Extensive squamous cell carcinoma of the ear – reconstruction with supraclavicular artery flap

The Supraclavicular Artery Flap for Head and Neck Reconstruction

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.