Identification of the anatomy of the deep temporal vein using computed tomography imaging: A retrospective cross-sectional review of patient imaging.

PURPOSE: The deep temporal vein (DTV) can be used in free flap procedures when the superficial temporal vein is inadequate. Despite its potential utility, its branching patterns have only been examined in one small anatomic study. The purpose of this study was to examine computed tomography angiography (CTA) images to determine DTV location, variation, and suitability as a microvascular recipient, to provide surgeons with a guide for its use in head and neck defects. METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified 152 patient CTA images (76 female; 76 male) in a single academic center imaging database, selected consecutively from January 2017 to April 2020. Patients under 19 years were excluded; ages ranged from 19 to 80 years (average 51.6 years). Reason for imaging, DTV caliber, laterality, distance to zygomatic arch (ZA [coronal and sagittal]), distance to lateral orbital rim (LOR), and branching pattern were recorded. RESULTS: The predominant reason for imaging was to rule out cerebrovascular accident (96.2%). Average caliber was 3.46 ± 1.29 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] [3.32, 3.61]; range, 1.00-10.8). Bilateral DTVs were observed in 98.7% of patients. Average distance to landmarks were as follows: ZA (coronal), 13.8 ± 5.85 mm (95% CI [13.2, 14.5]; range, 2.7-33.8); ZA (sagittal), 15.1 ± 6.12 mm (95% CI [14.1, 16.1]; range, 2.8-47.2); LOR, 47.1 ± 9.09 mm (95% CI [46.0, 48.1]; range, 10.8-62.9). Seven branching patterns were identified, including a posterior vertical variant that bypasses the superficial temporal fat pad. CONCLUSIONS: The DTV is a "lifeboat" option for head and neck reconstruction. Its average caliber is sufficient for use in microsurgery. Knowledge of both its typical and aberrant courses allow for efficient preoperative planning and surgical dissection. CTA is a useful adjunct when planning to use the DTV for free tissue transfer.

A Shift on the Horizon: A Systematic Review of Assessment Tools for Plastic Surgery Trainees.

BACKGROUND: As plastic surgery programs transition toward competency-based medical education curricula, it is important to critically assess current methods of evaluating trainee competence. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify and evaluate assessment tools for technical and nontechnical competencies in plastic surgery. METHODS: A systematic search using keywords related to competency-based medical education, assessment, and plastic surgery was conducted. Two independent reviewers extracted data pertaining to study characteristics, study design, and psychometric properties. Data pertaining to the establishment of competence and barriers to tool implementation were noted. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies were included in this review. Technical competencies were assessed in 16 studies. Nontechnical competencies were assessed in five studies. Two studies assessed both technical and nontechnical competence. Six tools were implemented in a simulated setting and 17 tools were implemented in a clinical setting. Thirteen studies (57 percent) did not report reliability scores and nine (39 percent) did not report validity scores. Two tools established clear definitions for competence. Common barriers to implementation included high demands on resources and time, uncertainty about simulation transferability, and assessor burnout. CONCLUSIONS: A number of tools exist to assess a range of plastic surgery skills, in both clinical and simulated settings. There is a need to determine the transferability of simulated assessments to clinical practice, as most available tools are simulation-based. Although additional psychometric testing of current assessment tools is required, particularly in the nontechnical domain, this review provides a base on which to build assessment frameworks that will support plastic surgery's transition to competency-based medical education.