Temporal Artery Island Flap Research Articles

Reconstruction of a traumatic frontal skin defect using the vacuum-assisted shoelace technique and superficial temporal artery island flap: A case report

Reconstruction of a traumatic frontal skin defect using the vacuum-assisted shoelace technique and superficial temporal artery island flap: A case report

Reconstruction of Full-Thickness Lower Eyelid Defect Using a Superficial Temporal Artery Island Flap

Reconstruction of Full-Thickness Lower Eyelid Defect Using a Superficial Temporal Artery Island Flap

Superficial temporal artery flap for reconstruction of complex facial defects: A new algorithm.

BackgroundA variety of island flaps can be based on the superficial temporal artery with variable tissue composition. They can be used for defect reconstruction, cavity resurfacing, facial hair restoration, or contracture release.MethodsSeventy-two patients underwent facial reconstruction using a superficial temporal artery island flap from October 2010 to October 2014. The defects had various etiologies, including trauma, burns, tumors, exposed hardware, and congenital causes. We classified the patients by indication into 5 groups: cavity resurfacing, contracture release, facial hair restoration, skin coverage, and combined. The demographic data of the patients, defect characteristics, operative procedures, postoperative results, and complications were retrospectively documented. The follow-up period ranged from 24 to 54 months.ResultsA total of 24 females and 48 males were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 33.7±15.6 years. The flaps were used for contracture release in 13 cases, cavity resurfacing in 10 cases, skin coverage in 17 cases, facial hair restoration in 19 cases, and combined defects in 13 cases. No major complications were reported. Conclusion: Based on our experiences with the use of superficial temporal artery island flaps, we have developed a detailed approach for the optimal management of patients with composite facial defects. The aim of this article is to provide the reader with a systematic algorithm to use for such patients.

The Temporal Artery Island Flap: A Good Reconstructive Option for Small to Medium-Sized Facial Defects

The reconstruction of facial defects is esthetically vital because of the unique skin color and texture of the face. The aim of this study was to show the utility of different temporal artery island flap designs for the reconstruction of upper and middle facial defects without contrast to the color and texture of the face. This study is a retrospective case series conducted from November 2004 through May 2015. Patients older than 18years with upper and middle facial defects smaller than 5cm were included. The temporal artery island flap was used in 34 patients (21 men and 13 women). The etiologies were skin tumor in 17 patients, trauma in 10 patients, and burns in 7 patients. Major defect localization was in the temporal area in 12 patients, followed by the ear in 9 patients, the cheek in 6 patients, the eyebrow in 4 patients, and the nose in 3 patients. Flap designs consisted of the antegrade-flow island flap, the V-Y flap, and reverse-flow island flap in 23, 7, and 4 patients, respectively. All flaps survived completely except for 1 partial flap necrosis. Scars in the donor areas were inconspicuous. Patients' median age was 47.5years (quartiles, 40.75 to 54), 61.8% were men, and median duration of follow-up was 11months (range, 6 to 18months). The temporal artery island flap could be a good option for the closure of minor to medium-size defects of the upper and middle face because of its good color and texture match, constant and reliable pedicle, wide pivotal movement, low donor site morbidity, and reverse-flow pattern.

A simplified surgical algorithm for flap reconstruction of eyebrow defects

Partial or total eyebrow defects after trauma or tumor excisions have been repaired by several surgical technique and algorithms. However, these algorithms are often complicated and difficult to apply clinically. We therefore established a simplified surgical algorithm for the treatment of eyebrow defects using flap reconstruction. During the period between January 2009 and December 2015, a total of 21 Chinese patients (12 males, 9 females) with eyebrow defects were treated with eyebrow flap reconstruction. The ages ranged from 12 to 51 years. The patients included 13 cases located on the left and 8 cases on the right eyebrow. These defects were caused by trauma (5 patients) and tumor excision (16 patients). Among them, 6 patients were treated using superficial temporal artery island flap, while 15 patients were treated using the V-Y advancement pedicle flap based on the orbicularis oculi muscle. The minimum defect area was 0.8×1.0cm and maximum area was 2.3×4.3cm. All patients were followed up for 6 months to 5 years postoperatively. The clinical effects of eyebrow reconstruction were evaluated using a designated scoring system. All 21 flaps survived without significant complications and the shapes of the reconstructed eyebrows were continuous, symmetrical and with good integrity. According to the rating scale, there were 13 excellent, 8 good reconstructions among all patients. After an average of 9 months of follow-up, all patients had no recurrence of tumors and no infection or scarring. Based upon our experience with 21 patients who underwent eyebrow reconstruction for various eyebrow defects, we believe that our simplified surgical algorithm can serve as a model for the treatment of patients with eyebrow defects.

Bifurcated Superficial Temporal Artery Island Flap for the Reconstruction of a Periorbital Burn: An Innovation.

Background:Facial burns represent between one-fourth and one-third of all burns. The long-term sequelae of periorbital burns include significant ectropion and lagophthalmos as a result of secondary burn contractures in the lower and upper eyelids, in addition to complete or incomplete alopecia of the eyebrows.Methods:A retrospective study of 14 reconstructive procedures for 12 postburn faces was conducted with all procedures performed since 2010 at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Al-Hussein University Hospital, and at the Craniofacial Unit, Nasser Institute Hospital. Four patients experienced chemical burns, and 8 patients experienced thermal burns. All patients underwent periorbital reconstruction using a bifurcated superficial temporal artery island flap to reconstruct the eyebrows, correct the lagophthalmos, and release the ectropion in both the upper and the lower eyelids. Two patients underwent bilateral periorbital flap reconstruction. The mean age of patients was 29 years, and the study was conducted on 8 males and 4 females. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a questionnaire completed by all patients postoperatively.Results:The complete release of both the upper and the lower eyelids was achieved in all cases, together with ideal replacement of brow hair; no complications were noted, apart from one case in which a loss of hair density in the new eyebrow was observed, combined with the partial loss of the flap in the lower eyelid. Patient satisfaction results were collected and assembled in a table.Conclusion:A bifurcated superficial temporal artery island flap is an innovative flap for reconstructing both burned eyebrows and eyelids.

Reconstruction of full-thickness lower eyelid defect using superficial temporal artery island flap combined with auricular cartilage graft.

Full-thickness lower eyelid defect is one of common surgical diseases, which may lead to exposure keratopathy, corneal ulceration, and blindness. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of superficial temporal artery island flap combined with auricular cartilage graft on the repair of full-thickness lower eyelid defect.In this study, the reconstructions in 6 patients who had unilateral full-thickness lower eyelid defects due to ocular traumas or surgical resections of malignant tumors were carried out. The island flap of the frontal branch of superficial temporal artery reconstructed the outer layer and the total lower lid was supported with the plane of an auricular cartilage strip, offering a proper contour and physical strength to maintain a normal eyelid height. The follow-up time ranged from 6 to 24 months. No major complications including partial or total flap necrosis, signs of infection, venous congestion, and hematoma were seen in any of the patients, and all cases have been reconstructed well both aesthetically and functionally, showing esthetic eyelid contour, good color, and texture match.Superficial temporal artery island flap combined with auricular cartilage graft is a useful method functionally and cosmetically for the reconstructions of full-thickness lower eyelid defects because of its advantages including rich vascularity based on superficial temporal artery, wide pedicle rotational arc, which could be transferred throughout the face region, good eyelid contour with color and texture match, limited donor-site scar, and minimal postoperative morbidity.

The repair surgery of severe infectious orbital implants exposure with superficial temporal artery island flaps

Objective To discuss the method and efficacy of repairment of large severely infectious orbital implants exposure with superficial temporal artery island flaps.Methods To analyse retrospectively the clinical data in ophthalmology department of Xinjiang Hospital of Occupational Disease:6 eyes from 6 cases,with exposure of diameters over 10 mm or concurrent infections in orbital implants.Results After partial penetration and flush for infection control,the patient' s ipsilateral superficial temporal artery island flaps were implanted into the ocular prosthesis to repair the large defect of the conjunctiva sac all at once.All the flaps of 6 cases survived,with stable blood supply,good wear resistance and smooth union with the conjunctiva sac tissues.The ocular prosthesis moved smoothly in all quadrants.Except for the long hair after surgery in 2 cases,no other postoperative complications appeared in the follow-up of 1 to 5 years,with good effect of the treatment.Conclusion The effective partial anti-inflammatory therapy,combined with the superficial temporal artery island flap,is a feasible and effective surgery procedure to repair severe ocular prosthesis exposure and the co-infection. Key words: Flap,island, surperficial temporal artery; Hydroxyapatite; Orbital implant exposure; Repair surgery

The application of axial superficial temporal artery island flap for repairing the defect secondary to the removal of the lower eyelid basal cell carcinoma

Our aim was to investigate the repair of the defect that follows excision of a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the lower eyelid. Skin projections of the superficial temporal artery and its frontal branches were marked using Doppler ultrasonography. The lesion was excised with 0.5–1.5cm margins. Frozen sections were taken to clarify the diagnosis. The frontal flap was designed according to the preoperative labelling, and was 0.5cm larger than the defect. The pedicle was 1.0–1.5cm longer than the distance between the pedicle and the defect, and the width of the pedicle was 3cm. If the lesion affected the full thickness of the lower eyelid, a conjunctival flap was sutured with the flap. A skin graft was applied when the defect was large. Such defects have been repaired successfully in 10 patients. There was no secondary defect or ectropion postoperatively. The superficial temporal artery frontal branch island flap is a satisfactory method for the repair of a defect secondary to a BCC of the lower eyelid.

Application of the parietal branches of superficial temporal artery island flap in complex scalp defects

Objective To investigate the application of the parietal branches of superficial temporal artery island flap in the complex scalp defects.Methods A parietal branches of superficial temporal artery island flap on the ectatic scalp flap was designed to repair the complex scalp defects in 25cases and the repairing effect was observed.Results The island flaps were survived completely in 24patients,in which 1 patient had partial necrosis because of the flap tension was too large,but healed after local dressing and debridement.After followed up 6～ 12 months,the color and texture of the flap were the same to the surrounding normal scalp,and the shape was satisfactory.The flap donor site of hair growth was good,with well healing and no obvious complications.Conclusions The parietal branches of superficial temporal artery island flap can repair the complex scalp defects with the flexible flap design and movement.The flap survives well and the repair area is large.The flap and the surrounding scalp connects good.Therefore,it is a good method strongly recommended for small area complex scalp defects repair in clinics. Key words: Scalp defects; Parietal branches of superficial temporal artery; Island flap

Scalp reconstruction with superficial temporal artery island flap: Clinical experience on 30 consecutive cases

Different techniques are available to reconstruct scalp defects; however, when the cranium is exposed or the hairline compromised, the procedure may become quite challenging. The use of superficial temporal artery fascio-cutaneous flaps has been described mainly to restore the hair-bearing surface of the upper lip or the eyebrow but only few applications in the scalp have been reported. The authors present their experience with the use of superficial temporal artery island flaps to obtain durable coverage and excellent contour in anterior scalp reconstruction. Thirty consecutive defects in the anterior scalp subunits (temporal = 14; parietal = 12; forehead = 4) were reconstructed with ipsilateral V-Y island flaps nourished by frontal and parietal branches of the superficial temporal artery. All defects resulted from skin cancer excision. Twenty-six flaps were based on the parietal branch. The frontal branch pedicle was used in only four cases to resurface defects in the forehead subunit. Glabrous skin flaps were harvested in six patients. Including a venous branch in the pedicle was not mandatory because the venous drainage of the flaps was provided by the perivascular fascial network. For this reason, a fascial pedicle around the artery, 2-3 cm in width, was maintained to minimise flap venous insufficiency. Twenty-nine flaps healed uneventfully (96.7% flap survival rate), providing stable coverage with a mean follow-up of 12 months. In the early postoperative time (up to 48 h), slight venous stasis was observed in 14 flaps (46.6%), but it resolved spontaneously within 1 week. Two flaps showed severe venous stasis, but in only one case (3.3%) it progressed to distal necrosis requiring surgical revision. No cases of alopecia or hairline distortion were postoperatively registered. The use of superficial temporal artery island flaps, mobilised in a V-Y fashion, proved to be an elegant and reliable solution to resurface defects in the anterior scalp subunits in both hairy and bald patients.

Anterior Superficial Temporal Artery Island Flap

There are many options for the repair of intraoral defects. Today, free radial forearm or anterolateral thigh perforator flap is the first choice for the repair of intraoral defects. However, the importance of regional flaps is still maintained for patients whose medical condition is inappropriate for a long surgery and anesthesia time. In this report, we present our clinical experience with 9 patients who underwent retromolar trigone, buccal mucosal, gingival, and mouth floor reconstruction with anterior superficial temporal artery island flap (ASTIF) which has not been described in the literature before. Their mean age is 49 (27-85) years. ASTIF dimensions used for the reconstructions ranged from 3 × 5 to 8 × 16 cm. No partial or total flap necrosis was seen in any of the patients; only 3 patients had venous congestion problem for the first 3 days of the surgery, but they all healed well. Five patients had squamous cell carcinoma, 2 patients had squamous cell carcinoma with local recurrence, 1 patient had adenocarcinoma, and 1 patient had mandibular osteocarcinoma. Patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months postoperatively (average 12 months, range 6 to 24 months). ASTIF provides an excellent alternative for reconstructing defects of the oral cavity for some patients who have significant comorbid conditions or specific contraindications to free tissue transfer. At the same time, the combination with the free flaps increases the success of the restoration. Level IV therapeutic study.

Reconstruction of a contracted eye socket using an anterofrontal superficial temporal artery island flap and scapha composite grafting in an elderly patient

There are numerous methods for reconstruction of the eye socket. However, the use of an island flap on the forehead based on the anterofrontal branch of the superficial temporal artery has not been reported upon. This article describes an experience of eye-socket reconstruction in a 90-year-old woman with an anterofrontal superficial temporal artery island flap, a temporoparietal fascia flap and scapha composite grafting in a one-step procedure. Deep fornices were obtained and the convex eye socket was stably and easily fitted with the ocular prosthesis, which the patient started to wear 4 weeks after the operation. The socket and eyelids are without any deficits and in good condition with a 1-year follow-up.

A trial on subcutaneous pedicle island flap for eyebrow reconstruction

Introduction Severe burn is a common problem affecting victim's eyebrows. This study aims to assess the effectiveness, complications and patients’ satisfaction in two eyebrow reconstruction surgical methods. Up to now, many reconstruction methods, their specific advantages and complications have been introduced. This study compares a new method (subcutaneous pedicle island flap), which is scarcely discussed, with a standard method (superficial temporal artery island flap). Method This is a clinical trial conducted during 2003–2005 at the Al’ Zahra’ Hospital. Forty patients with eyebrow defect due to burn injuries were selected by convenience sampling. They were allocated to two groups randomly. The control group underwent a surgery for ‘superficial temporal artery island flap’ and the case group for ‘subcutaneous pedicle island flap’. Data were gathered using two questionnaires. The first one included demographic data, patient history and condition of the eyebrows prior to surgery, effectiveness of surgery and complications. The second was a smiley face visual scale for patient's satisfaction. Data analysis was done using SPSS software (version 12; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Result Findings showed that in the control group, 80% were female of a mean age of 22 years (SD = 6/30) and in the case group 75% were female, of a mean age of 21/80 years (SD = 8/28). Fisher's exact test showed a significant difference between the type of surgery and hair-growth direction ( p = 0.003). In addition, Mann–Whitney U test showed a significant difference between the type of surgery and patient satisfaction ( p = 0.002). Analysis showed that there is no significant difference between the type of surgery and bleeding, congestion, flap necrosis, temporary hair loss in flap and donor-site alopecia ( p > 0.05). Surgeon's experience shows that surgery time and learning curve in the case group is lower than that in the control group. Discussion Subcutaneous pedicle island flap is an appropriate and easy method with good efficacy, lower complication and more reasonable and acceptable patient's satisfaction. Therefore, this method is recommended for burn patients with eyebrow defects.

Axial Bilobed Superficial Temporal Artery Island Flap (Tulip Flap): Reconstruction of Combined Defects of the Lateral Canthus Including the Lower and Upper Eyelids

Axial Bilobed Superficial Temporal Artery Island Flap (Tulip Flap): Reconstruction of Combined Defects of the Lateral Canthus Including the Lower and Upper Eyelids

Bi-lamellar lower eyelid reconstruction with superficial temporal artery island flap and hard palate muco-periosteal free graft

ABSTRACTThree cases of single stage, bi-lamellar reconstruction of full-thickness, horizontal, lateral three-quarter lower eyelid defects using pedicled island flaps of adjacent vascular territories and hard palate muco-periosteal graft are being presented. All cases were done for Basal Cell Carcinoma of the region. While the island flaps allowed for a simple, single stage reconstruction of the external lamella, the hard palate muco-periosteal graft, by virtue of its inherent resilience and a rich glandular component, took well and provided for a good functional and aesthetic result.The follow-up ranged from 6 to 40 months and the final result has been oncologically, functionally and aesthetically satisfactory.

A Technique for Reconstruction of Eyebrows and Eyelashes

Eyebrow and eyelash reconstruction surgery has expanded the options for hair restoration surgeons to assist patients seeking to recover self-esteem by enhancing their appearance. This type of surgery can be performed efficiently and effectively in a properly equipped clinic. This article, in addition to detailing eyebrow and eyelash reconstruction using hair follicular unit transplantation, addresses the etiology of eyebrow and eyelash loss, offers suggestions on evaluating prospective patients, and explains preoperative and postoperative procedures. The author demonstrates how undesirable eyebrow and eyelash conditions can be altered to recuperate their natural design using a technique that has a more natural appearance than scalp hair strips, is easier to perform than temporal artery island flaps, and the results of which are more discreet than punch hair transplantation.

Eyebrow reconstruction following burn injury

Facial burns represent between one-fourth and one-third of all burns. Absence of the eyebrows or distortions in their position alter the character of the face. Thus, eyebrow repair or reconstruction can be an important “finishing touch” in the overall reconstruction of a burned face. Generally, there are three ways to reconstruct the eyebrow: use of superficial temporal artery island flap; composite graft from scalp; and mini or micrografts from scalp. This report presents 20 patients reconstructed with the above techniques. Eleven patients (eight male and three female) with superficial temporal artery island flaps; seven patients (two male and five female) with composite grafts from scalp; and two patients (female) with minigrafts. The results suggest that superficial temporal artery island flaps were more suitable for males and composite graft for females who generally require thinner and less dense eyebrows. Our experience with minigrafts for burn alopecia has not been adequate. Here in this article, different methods of eyebrow reconstruction are presented with the greater emphasis on superficial temporal artery flap.

Bi-lamellar lower eyelid reconstruction with superficial temporal artery island flap and hard palate muco-periosteal free graft

Three cases of single stage, bi-lamellar reconstruction of full-thickness, horizontal, lateral three­ quarter lower eyelid defects using pedicled island flaps of adjacent vascular territories and hard palate muco-periosteal graft are being presented. All cases were done for Basal Cell Carcinoma of the region. While the island flaps allowed for a simple, single stage reconstruction of the external lamella, the hard palate muco-periosteal graft, by virtue of its inherent resilience and a rich glandular component, took well and provided for a good functional and aesthetic result. The follow-up ranged from 6 to 40 months and the final result has been oncologically, functionally and aesthetically satisfactory.

Reconstruction of facial defects with superficial temporal artery island flaps: a donor site with various alternatives.

Color and texture match is crucial in reconstruction of facial tissue defects. Between March of 1997 and July of 2000, island flaps based on the parietal, anterofrontal, centrofrontal, posterofrontal, and superior auricular branches of the superficial temporal artery were used in the reconstruction of tissue defects localized on different regions of the face in 28 patients. According to the size and the location of the defect, the flap was selected. There were 15 male patients and 13 female patients, with ages ranging between 19 and 74 years. In six of the flaps, venous congestion was observed. Because of the elevation of the eyebrow on the flap side, three patients required a sling to the opposite eyebrow. Excellent color and tissue match and transfer of hair-bearing tissue to the eyebrow and beard areas were achieved with no other complications. Satisfactory aesthetic results were gained.