The Diversity of the Linguofacial Trunk.

Background and Objectives: Typically, the external carotid artery (ECA) sends off separate anterior branches: the superior thyroid, lingual, and facial arteries. These could, however, form common trunks: thyrolinguofacial, linguofacial (LFT), or thyrolingual. Although known, the LFT variant was poorly detailed previously, and most authors just counted the variant. We aimed to demonstrate the individual anatomical possibilities of the LFT on a case-by-case basis. Materials and Methods: 150 archived angioCT files were used. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 147 files of 86 males and 61 females were kept for this study. Results: In 34/147 cases, LFTs were found (23.12%). Bilateral LFTs were found in 13/34 cases (38.24%) and unilateral LFTs in 21/34 (61.76%) cases. Forty-seven LFTs were thus identified and further studied for different variables. Regarding the vertical topography of LFT origin, type 1a (suprahyoid and infragonial) was found in 28 LFTs (59.57%), type 1b (suprahyoid and gonial) was found in eight LFTs (17.02%), type 3 (suprahyoid and supragonial) was found in two LFTs (4.25%), type 2 (hyoid level of origin) in eight LFTs (17.02%), and type 3 (infrahyoid origin) in just one LFT (2.12%). Types of the initial course of the LFT were determined: type I, ascending, was found in 22/47 LFTs; type II, descending, in 12/47 LFTs; and type III, transverse, in 13/47 LFTs. Regarding the orientation of the first loop of the LFT, 23/47 LFTs had no loop, 4/47 had anterior loops, 1/47 had a posterior loop, 5/47 had superior loops, 5/47 had inferior loops, and 9/47 had medial loops. The position of the LFT relative to the ECA was classified as medial, anterior, or antero-medial. An amount of 12/47 LFTs were anterior to the ECA, 22/47 were antero-medial, 10/47 were medial, 2/47 were inferior, and 1/47 was lateral. Regarding their general morphology, 23/47 LFTs had a rectilinear course, 22/47 had loops, and 2/47 were coiled. A case-by-case presentation of results further demonstrated the diversity of the LFT. Conclusions: In conclusion, the morphology and topography of the LFT are individually specific and unpredictable. It can be anticipated case-by-case by surgeons on CT or MR angiograms.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Facial Artery in the Nasolabial Fold for Gender Differences and Symmetry Between Hemifaces.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to establish the relationship of facial artery with nasolabial fold by color Doppler sonography and to determine facial artery variations and their relationship with age, gender, or hemifaces. METHODS: The study included 188 patients (94 women, 94 men) aged 18-60 years. Overall, 376 facial arteries in both hemifaces were evaluated for the course within nasolabial fold, symmetry, and relationship with gender. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 39.29 ± 12.81 years. Type A (55.7%) was the most common type in both hemifaces. There was no significant relationship between the course of facial artery and age (P > .05). Asymmetrical course of facial artery was more common in females (54.3%). In both genders, type A was the type with highest symmetry detected. CONCLUSIONS: Nasolabial fold is one of the important facial regions for filler injection. To prevent vascular injection, course of facial artery should be identified within the nasolabial fold. Type A was the most common type in both hemifaces and genders. Although the rates were close to each other, asymmetry in the course of the facial artery was observed in most of the patients. Ultrasonographic examination which is non-invasive and non-ionizing imaging method can be performed carefully before filler injection to determine vascular tissues.

Bilateral Tunnelized FAMM Islanded Flap for Reconstruction of Composite Defect of Tongue and Floor of Mouth: A Case Report.

The work of Massarelli et al. is well known for popularizing t-FAMMIF, however to the best of our knowledge bilateral flap has never been harvested and inset together to reconstruct a composite defect. Larger unilateral flaps have been reported in literature but to harvest such a flap in patients of S.E Asian region would entail high propensity for trismus in the post op period as they have tendency for submucosal fibrosis owing to their guthka (chewing tobacco) chewing habits. Oral submucous fibrosis is contra-indication for this flap; however, some of our patients despite being chronic abusers of guthka do not have clinical presentation of OSMF and if the defect post ablation is appropriate are chosen to be candidates for reconstruction with the flap. In this select population harvesting larger flaps can potentially lead to trismus, a fact highlighted in the paper.

Hotspots of facial artery perforators and perforasomes for easier flap guidance: An anatomical study.

BACKGROUND: The facial artery perforator flap is a valuable alternative for reconstruction of small to medium defects in the central midface and provide pleasing cosmetic results, allowing reconstruction in a one-stage procedure. Since Doppler ultrasound is not applicable to distinguish perforator from source artery, anatomical studies are needed to identify perforator areas along the course of the facial artery. METHODS: Twenty facial arteries of 10 fresh anatomical head specimens were dissected. All perforators with an outer diameter of at least 0.50 mm were identified and injected with dye to color their respective vascular territories. Size and location of colored skin territories as well as the location of its perforators were documented and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 89 perforators were identified. The average number of perforators per facial artery was 4.45±1.15. The mean outer diameter of the perforator at the origin of the facial artery was 0,65±0.14 mm. The mean size of the colored skin territories was 577.57±488.81 mm2. Perforator diameters were significantly associated with the size of its resulting perforasomes. Furthermore, perforators mostly originated in two specific areas: 3.5 cm lateral and caudal and 4.5 cm lateral and 5.5 cm caudal of the anterior nasal spine. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of two predominant locations of emergence of facial artery perforators. Additionally, the significant correlation between perforator size and its appendant perforasomes as well as their location with reference to the anterior nasal spine as relevant osseous landmarks helps surgeons in decision making for flap design and surgery.

Myomucosal island flaps for oropharyngeal reconstruction.

The oropharynx represents one of the most challenging areas to reconstruct for the head and neck surgeon. The buccinator myomucosal island flaps pedicled on the facial artery [tunnelized facial artery myomucosal island flap (t-FAMMIF)] or the buccal artery [buccal artery myomucosal island flap (BAMMIF)] are an ideal reconstructive option for moderate size defects measuring up to 8-9cm. Two fresh specimens have been used to show the step-by-step surgical technique of both island flaps. Design and flap extension, dissection plane, identification of the vascular pedicle, flap rotation and insetting are described. Reconstructive indications and the pros and cons of each one are discussed in this article. Myomucosal island flaps represent a very useful and versatile option for the functional reconstruction of the oropharynx. A detailed knowledge of the vascular anatomy of the cheek is key to obtain a large flap while minimizing the risk of complications.

The complete anatomy of the transverse facial artery: a computed tomography angiography analysis.

BACKGROUND: The transverse facial artery (TFA) provides blood supply to various structures of the lateral face, including the parotid gland, parotid duct, masseter muscle, and facial skin. Knowledge about its anatomy is of utmost importance in various plastic and reconstructive procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The results of 55 (110 hemifaces) consecutive patients who underwent head and neck computed tomography angiography (CTA) in the Department of Radiology of the Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland, were evaluated in July 2022. RESULTS: TFA was found to originate from STA in 84 of the cases (95.5%), whereas from ECA only in 4 of the cases (4.5%). Median length of the TFA was found to be 43.39 mm (LQ = 38.53 ; UQ = 46.37). The median TFA diameter, at its origin, was established at 2.26 mm (LQ = 1.93 ; UQ = 2.54). Median TFA cross-sectional area, at its origin, was set to be 2.54 mm (LQ = 1.67 ; UQ = 3.10). CONCLUSIONS: The TFA has an important role in the arterial blood supply to the face, and the present study has demonstrated its stable prevalence in the lateral face region. The most frequent origin of the artery was from the STA; however, it also originated from the ECA in some cases. Moreover, the topographic relationships between the TFA and nearby arteries and anatomical landmarks were measured and analyzed.

Submandibular Gland Excision with Facial Artery Preservation: The Argument for Changing the Established Norms.

To evaluate the difference in average operating time and intraoperative blood loss in transcervical submandibular gland excision for isolated benign submandibular diseases, while preserving the facial artery and ligating the facial artery. A prospective study was conducted in our institute for a duration of 6 months from January 2022 to June 2022. 30 patients undergoing excision of the submandibular gland as an isolated procedure were included. They were randomly divided into 2 groups of 15, Group "A" where the facial artery was preserved, and "B" where the artery was ligated. The operating time in minutes and intra operative blood loss was compared. The mean operating time was 48.26 min in Group A, and 46.2 min in Group B. The p value between the two groups was 0.189586, which was not significant. The mean blood loss in group A was 44.6 ml, and 45.8 ml in group B. The p value was not significant at 0.331254. Preserving the facial artery in benign tumours while excising the gland neither increases operating time nor intraoperative bleeding. This will not only retain the anatomy, but provide a second option for flap reconstruction in case needed later.

Lingual and Facial Artery Fusion: A Cadaveric Report With Clinical Significance.

The external carotid artery (ECA) anterior branches, including the superior thyroid, the lingual, and the facial artery (STA, LA, and FA) present variability among cadaveric studies. These arteries may usually originate as isolated branches from the ECA anterior surface and atypically migrate proximally or distally and/or fused into trunks with the most common fusion that of the LA with the FA, into the linguofacial trunk (LFT), and the rarer ones those of the thyrolingual and thyrolinguofacial trunks. The current report describes a case of a bilateral fusion of the LA with the FA into an LFT and another case of a unilateral origin of the FA from the LA (aberrant FA).  In a 75-year-old donated male cadaver, a bilateral symmetrical LFT coexisted with a right-sided STA origin from the ECA proximal origin, at the level of the common carotid artery (CCA) bifurcation. In an 82-year-old donated female cadaver, at the left side, the atypical origin of the FA from the LA proximal origin coexisted with a common trunk of the left CCA with the brachiocephalic artery, and an atypical origin of the STA from the CCA, 3.65 mm inferior to the CCA bifurcation. This report provides a detailed description of the abnormal origin of the ECA anterior branches, the potential fusion of these branches, their exact location, and the existence of an unusual origin proximal or distal to the CCA bifurcation. Aberrant origin and course remain important in surgical and interventional approaches. A thorough understanding of the typical and variable anatomy of the ECA anterior branches ensures safe and successful intervention. Careful preoperative staging and precise dissection are essential components of this process.

Reconstruction with facial artery musculo-mucosal flap (FAMM.F) after resection of upper lip pleomorphic adenoma: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Although pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common neoplasm of both minor and major salivary glands, its presence in the buccal surface of upper lip is rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 70-year-old male presented with a chief complaint of recent rapid growth of a mass in the buccal aspect of the upper lip. A well-circumscribed mass measuring 3 × 2 cm with intact overlying mucosa without regional lymphadenopathy was evident. Core needle biopsy report was suggestive of PA. Complete excision of the tumor was performed. The defect was large and primary closure was not possible. Reconstruction with FAMM flap was planned. After 4 weeks, the flap was covered with epithelia and created a satisfactory result. DISCUSSION: The definite diagnosis of PA is based on histopathological examination. The following features help to differentiate PA from other tumors; tubuloalveolar and gland-like structures, islands of cuboidal or polygonal cells in a chondroid, hyalinized, fibroadipose or mucinous hypocellular stroma which are stained positively for periodic acid-Schiff and Alcian. Despite these characteristics, differentiation of PA from dermal mixed tumor may be challenging especially when the specimen is from the upper lip. The main advantages of FAMM.F are being thin and pliable flap, having wide arc of rotation; being suitable for reconstruction of mucosal defects; resistance against postoperative radiotherapy and easy harvesting. CONCLUSION: The FAMM flap is a reliable reconstruction technique for medium-sized intraoral defects with limited morbidity to the donor site. It provides functional reconstruction of the oral cavity with a low risk of post-operative complications.

Facial Reconstruction Using Facial Artery Myomucosal Flap: A Comprehensive Review.

The facial artery myomucosal (FAMM) flap is a type of facial flap that is constructed with the buccal mucosa and submucosa along with a portion of the buccinator muscle, which is connected to nearby blood vessels to maintain its blood supply. It is a versatile and reliable option for head and neck reconstruction, particularly in oral cavity defects. This flap is employed in the reconstruction of the floor of the mouth, alveolar cleft surgery, and tongue defect repair. Previous studies have discussed the use of FAMM flaps for facial reconstructions. However, there are no current and updated comprehensive reviews discussing the use of FAMM flaps in facial reconstruction. In light of this, this study aimed to review all relevant studies that discuss the use of FAMM flaps in facial reconstruction.

Topographic anatomy of the submental artery and its clinical implications for reconstructive surgery.

Knowledge about the anatomy of the submental artery (SA) is of immense importance when performing plastic and reconstructive procedures. A retrospective study was performed to analyze the topographic anatomy of the SA. The measurements were performed on 80 consecutive patients who underwent head and neck computed tomography angiography (CTA). The SA was present in 131 out of 137 hemifaces (95.6%). The vessel originated from the facial artery in all cases (100.0%). Moreover, the SA was found to have 0-4 branches. However, most commonly, the said artery had no branches of considerable size (51.1%). Due to the high variability of the course of the said artery, the authors of the present study created a novel classification system presenting the most prevalent courses of the SA in the submental region. The current study utilized 131 hemifaces of 80 (CTA) to create a heat map of the SA, illustrating its precise origin and course in the submental region. The findings of this study could assist surgeons in developing a mental map of the arterial anatomy of the submental region, potentially improving the efficiency of localizing the SA and reducing the risk of complications during plastic and reconstructive procedures.

Tongue Reconstruction with Buccinator Myomucosal Island Flaps: Technical Considerations, Oncologic Safety, Functional Outcomes and QoL Assessment-A Retrospective Observational Study.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of buccinator myomucosal island flaps for tongue reconstruction following malignant tumor resections. A retrospective study was performed on 52 patients who underwent tongue reconstructions with buccinator myomucosal island flaps between 2012 and 2020. We reviewed the flap type and size, harvesting time, recipient- and donor-site complications, postoperative oncologic outcomes, functional recovery and QoL assessment. All of the flaps were transposed successfully without any total flap loss. Neither in the primary site nor in the neck were cancer relapses observed. An evaluation of the sensitivity revealed that 96.1% of patients experienced a recovery of touch, two-point and pain sensations. There were significant differences between the flap and the native mucosa in terms of the tactile (p < 0.001), pain (p < 0.001) and two-point (p < 0.001) thresholds. The average swallowing score recorded was 6.1 out of 7, with only minor complaints. The quality of life assessments demonstrated high scores across physical (24.5 out of 28), social (25.8 out of 28), emotional (20.3 out of 24) and functional (25 out of 28) aspects. The present study showed how buccinator myomucosal island flaps represent an effective and functional tongue reconstructive option, requiring a short operative time with a low rate of donor site morbidity, and with evidence of long-term oncologic safety and high quality of life.

Evaluation of facial artery course variations, diameters, and depth by Doppler ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: The facial artery (FA) is the main blood vessel supplying blood to the face. It is essential to understand the anatomy of FA around the nasolabial fold (NLF). This study aimed to provide the detailed anatomy and relative positioning of FA to help avoid unexpected complications in plastic surgery. METHODS: FA was observed from the inferior border of the mandible to the end of its terminal branch in 66 hemifaces of 33 patients with Doppler ultrasonography. The evaluation parameters were: (1) location, (2) diameter, (3) FA-skin depth, (4) relationship between the NLF and FA, (5) distance between the FA and significant surgical landmarks, and (6) the running layer. The FA course is classified based on the terminal branch. RESULTS: The most common FA course was Type 1, which had an angular branch as the final branch (59.1%). The most common FA-NLF relationship was that the FA was situated inferior to the NLF (50.0%). The mean FA diameter was 1.56 ± 0.36 mm at the mandibular origin, 1.40 ± 0.37 mm at the cheilion, and 1.32 ± 0.34 mm at the nasal ala. The FA diameter on the right hemiface was thicker than that on the left hemiface (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The FA mainly terminates in the angular branch, running in the medial NLF and in dermis and subcutaneous tissue, with a blood supply advantage in the right hemisphere. We suppose that a deep injection into periosteum around the NLF may be safer than an injection into the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer.

The Facial Artery as a Branch of the External Carotid Artery in Thomas Turner's (1793-1873) Treatise on the Arterial System (1825) and a Comparison with Modern Anatomy.

The aim of the present paper is to contribute to the understanding of the history of the anatomical study of the facial artery. The facial artery plays a fundamental role in the study of the anatomy of the face, and in maxillofacial and vascular surgery. The debate on the understating of this vessel is essential in the educational process, with special focus on the historical development of topographical and descriptive ideas about it. The comparison between the study of facial artery in the work of Thomas Turner (1793-1873) and modern anatomical concepts serves as an excellent educational paradigm. The documentary research method was used this short historical survey. CONCLUSION: Thomas Turner laid the scientific foundation for the accurate anatomical study of the facial artery.

Versatility of Facial Artery Musculomucosal (FAMM) Flap for Reconstruction of Oral Cavity Defects.

Background and Purpose: The Facial Artery Musculomucosal (FAMM) flap for reconstruction of oral cavity defects is being popularized in recent years due to its obvious advantages. The aim of our study is to evaluate the cases operated at our institute for the reconstruction of oral cavity defects using FAMM flap and assess their outcomes. Method: In this retrospective study, we included all patients in whom the FAMM flap was used to reconstruct oral cavity defects operated at our institute from January 2017 to December 2020. From the available records, patients' data like age, sex, diagnosis, treatment plan, complications, flap viability, and need for pedicle revision were retrieved and tabulated. Results: FAMM flap was used in ten patients (8 male, 2 female) with ages ranging from 40 to 54 years. In six patients with superior defects e.g., maxilla/palate, retrograde FAMM flap was used and in the other 4 patients with inferior defects e.g., tongue/ floor of the mouth, antegrade FAMM flap was used. None of the patients developed complications like flap failure/necrosis or dehiscence. The donor site healed uneventfully in all patients. Conclusion: FAMM flap offers various advantages for oral cavity reconstruction including mucosa reconstruction with alike mucosal tissue, muscle portion providing bulk, minimal donor site morbidity along with easier harvesting approach. There are no associated significant long-term complications if the technique is properly followed. FAMM should be considered a viable option for the reconstruction of a variety of oral cavity defects.

The notch of the mandible: what do different fields call it?

The bony notch on the inferior border of the mandible, anterior to the attachment of the masseter muscle, where the facial vessels commonly pass, has been called different names in the literature, e.g., premasseteric notch, antegonial notch, and notch for the facial vessels. Interestingly, various disciplines have leaned toward different names for this notch. Therefore, to aid in consistent communication among professionals, the present study aimed to analyze usage of these varied terms and make recommendations for the best terminology. Based on the adjacent anatomical structures used to name this notch, three groups were analyzed in this study, a group using masseter in the term, a group using gonion in the term, and a group using facial vessels in the term. A literature search found that the group using gonion in the term was found most in the literature. The orthodontics field used gonion in the term the most (29.0%: 31/107) followed by the oral and maxillofacial surgery field (14.0%: 15/107), the plastic surgery field (4.7%: 5/107), and the anatomy field (3.7%: 4/107). The dental field used gonion in this term the most (43.9%: 47/107) and the medical field used facial vessels in the term the most (33.3%: 6/18). Based on these results, the use of gonial terms for this notch seems to be preferred.

Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm Arising From Proximal Facial Artery: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Pseudoaneurysms of facial artery usually arise from the distal part of the vessel. Only 4 cases were described in the literature involving the proximal part of facial artery. We present a case of a traumatic pseudoaneurysm involving the proximal part of facial artery. A 50-year-old man was referred to our department for a progressively growing submandibular mass. He was injured by a sharp object during a car crash 30 days ago. After 3 weeks, the patient noted the appearance of a subcutaneous mass in the left submandibular area. Physical examination revealed a freely movable, painful, and pulsatile swelling. Ultrasound and computerized tomography scan showed a nodular lesion in the left submandibular area in continuity with the facial artery. The diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm of facial artery was suspected. The patient was treated by surgery. The pseudoaneurysm was resected with ligation of the proximal and distal ends of the facial artery.

Giant Cell Arteritis That Presented with Buccal Skin Ulceration along the Facial Artery.

A 68-year-old man presented with right buccal ulceration along the facial artery, temporal pain, lagophthalmos, diplopia, and tongue deviation to the right. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed bilateral temporal artery and right maxillary artery wall thickening, and a diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA) was made according to the American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria. Treatment with corticosteroids ameliorated his symptoms. This is the first report of GCA with buccal skin ulceration along a facial artery. Because a delayed diagnosis can lead to irreversible damage, it is essential to notice rare symptoms, such as skin ulceration and multiple cranial neuropathy-like symptoms.