Reliability of superficial temporal artery and vein as the recipient vessels in free flap transfers in head and neck region / 中华口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the reliability of superficial temporal artery and vein as the recipient vessels in free flap transfers in head and neck region.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From May 2001 to June 2008, 25 cases of head and neck reconstructions were performed by using the vessels in the temporal region as recipient vessels.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 25 recipient veins, 23 were superficial temporal veins, and 2 were deep temporal veins. The recipient arteries of all 25 free flaps were superficial temporal arteries. All the free flaps survived completely, without postoperative vessel thrombosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The superficial temporal artery and vein can be used as reliable recipient vessels in free flap transfers in head and neck region.</p>