TRANSVERSE CERVICAL ARTERY FASCIOCUTANEOUS FREE-FLAP FOR HEAD AND NECK RECONSTRUCTION - INITIAL ANATOMIC AND DYE STUDIES

METHOD: The bilateral transverse cervical arteries of 16 fresh cadaver s were exposed by an infraclavicular midline approach, Each artery was cannulated, and methylene blue dye was infused to delineate the skin territory subserved by the vessel. The two major infusion skin pattern s obtained allowed fashioning of a thin fasciocutaneous flap incorpora ting supraclavicular skin, which was based on the transverse cervical artery; or a larger flap additionally incorporating upper back skin an d varying amounts of trapezius muscle, when the artery had a dorsal sc apular artery branch. Depending on the skin pattern, either scapula or clavicle could be transferred with the other soft tissues. RESULTS: T he skin territory of the transverse cervical artery is caused to vary by the presence or absence of its dorsal scapular artery branch. The s upraclavicular portion of the flap is recommended for repair of facial and nasal lesions because of its close match in color and texture to facial skin. Oral lesions can also be reconstructed with this flap bec ause of its pliability, CONCLUSION: The free flap based on the transve rse cervical artery pedicle appears to be a useful addition to the arm amentarium of flaps for head and neck reconstruction, Clinical use of the flap is ongoing and will be subsequently reported.