Archives of Plastic Surgery

Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (대한성형외과학회)
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The Vascular System of the Angular Artery: Anatomical Study and Clinical Application

안각동맥의 해부학적 고찰과 임상적 적용

  • Woo, JongSeol (Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University) ;
  • Kim, Da-Arm (Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University) ;
  • Oh, Sang-Ha (Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University) ;
  • Kim, Dong-Woon (Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University)
  • 우종설 (충남대학교 의과대학 성형외과학교실) ;
  • 김다앎 (충남대학교 의과대학 성형외과학교실) ;
  • 오상하 (충남대학교 의과대학 성형외과학교실) ;
  • 김동운 (충남대학교 의과대학 해부학교실)
  • Received : 2008.04.03
  • Accepted : 2008.05.22
  • Published : 2008.11.10
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Abstract

Purpose: Although there are many ways to perform midface reconstruction, several difficulties exist for selecting the appropriate method, because of its anatomical and functional complexities, donor site morbidities, and poor aesthetic results. Various flaps based on the angular artery can overcome these limitations of the traditional reconstruction methods. The purpose of this study is to suggest an alternative reconstructive method for the midface using various flaps based on the angular artery. Methods: We investigated the relationship between the angular artery and its surrounding structures through cadaveric studies and then applied the findings clinically. As a result, we were able to perform reconstruction with a retroangular flap for defects of the lower half of the nose and the lower eyelid. In addition, defects of the upper half of the nose and the medial canthal area were reconstructed by using island composite glabellar flap. Results: The angular artery was reliable as a pedicle, whether it was used antegrade or retrograde. All the wounds were successfully closed, with the exception of minor complications such as partial skin necrosis and flap bulkiness. The aesthetic outcomes for the donor and recipient sites were satisfactory. Conclusion: The angular artery has diverse relationships with its surrounding structures according to its course of travel, and if a surgeon has a precise understanding of its anatomical location, we believe that retroangular flap and island composite glabellar flap may improve the treatment of midface defects.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

Supported by : 충남대학교

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