Reversed-flow superior thyroid artery: an alternative recipient vessel in head and neck reconstruction

Kaohsiung J Med Sci. 2008 Nov;24(11):598-601. doi: 10.1016/S1607-551X(09)70021-X.

Abstract

In neoadjuvant intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy patients, the common recipient arteries are frequently damaged owing to preoperative chemotherapy-induced intima injury. When antegrade arterial inflow to the free flap is not available, end-to-side carotid arterial anastomosis or exploration of another recipient artery may be an appropriate solution. However, reversed arterial flow is an alternative to such a situation. We report a case with squamous cell carcinoma on the right buccal area, which was successfully reconstructed using a free anterolateral thigh flap with reverse superior thyroid arterial inflow. This alternative method might shorten the operation time and also reduce further exploration injury in the operation field.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arteries / surgery
  • Catheterization
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Thyroid Gland / blood supply*