Preoperative Evaluation of the Facial Artery Using Facial Angio Computed Tomography.

Kim, Joo Hak; Kang, Nak Heon; Lee, In Ho; Seo, Young Joon; Yang, Ho Jik; Song, Seung Han; Oh, Sang Ha

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Original Article

Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 2011;38(6):719-724.
Published online November 1, 2011.

Preoperative Evaluation of the Facial Artery Using Facial Angio Computed Tomography.

Joo Hak Kim, Nak Heon Kang, In Ho Lee, Young Joon Seo, Ho Jik Yang, Seung Han Song, Sang Ha Oh

¹Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea. djplastic@cnu.ac.kr
²Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea.
³Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea.
⁴Research Institute for Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea.
⁵Clinical Anatomy Institute, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea.
⁶Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Eulji University, Daejeon, Korea.
⁷Seoul Military Manpower Administration, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract

PURPOSE
Previous studies of the facial artery have shown significant anatomical variability in this region. The vascular anatomy of the region is considered unreliable in predicting the ideal pedicle. Preoperative imaging has been suggested as a means of improving preoperative awareness, with Doppler ultrasound as useful tools. Multi-detector row angiographic computed tomography (angio CT) is a significant improvement, providing non- invasive operator-independent details of the vascular anatomy. This tool was used to perform an in vivo anatomical study of the facial artery, demonstrating the usefulness of facial angio CT in planning the facial reconstruction. METHODS: Eleven consecutive patients underwent facial angio CT of the facial vasculature with the anatomical details of the facial artery assessed.
RESULTS
Facial angio CT could demonstrate the size and course of the facial vasculature, particularly the facial artery.
CONCLUSION
The vascular anatomy of the facial artery is highly variable, and thus there is a role for preoperative imaging. Facial angio CT can demonstrate cases where there is an aberrant or non-preferred anatomy, or select the method of a facial reconstruction.

Keywords: Facial artery; Facial angio CT; Facial reconstruction

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