The Microvascular Basis of the Superior Thyroid Artery Perforator Flap.

Abstract

The superior thyroid artery perforator flap has been presented previously in this Journal as a locoregional flap that provides an excellent tissue match with minimal donor morbidity for lateral face and temple defects. In the current study, the authors aimed to describe the microvascular anatomy of this flap. The authors used in vivo computer tomographic angiography, cadaveric dissection, and ex vivo angiography in order to improve surgical safety and application of this technique. The authors provide a detailed map of the microvasculature that is critical to success in this technique, in addition to useful surface anatomical landmarks for ready application in the clinical scenario. Further, the authors discuss the anatomical basis of this flap with reference to the angiosome concept and the critical presence of true anastomoses. The superior thyroid artery perforator flap has been shown to be an excellent technique for reconstruction of lateral face and temporal soft tissue defects, providing a thin, pliable, hair-bearing tissue with minimal donor morbidity.