Emma De Ravin, Louis-Xavier Barrette, Ryan M Carey, Allison Slijepcevic, Daniel Petrisor, Farshid Taghizadeh, Zachary Elliott, Karthik Rajasekaran, Ara C Chalian, Robert M Brody, Jason G Newman, Rabie M Shanti, Joseph Curry, Mark K Wax, Steven B Cannady
Background: Head and neck free flap survival relies on adequate tissue perfusion from the external carotid artery (ECA), and vessel length is inversely proportional to blood flow rate. Objective: Investigate whether distance from the ECA (as a proxy for pedicle vessel length) predicts flap survival or complications. Methods: Retrospective review of free flaps performed at three academic centers from 9/2006 to 8/2021. Flaps were categorized by distance from the ECA: orbit and above (zone 1), maxilla to parotid (zone 2), and mandible and below (zone 3)...
January 16, 2023: Facial plastic surgery & aesthetic medicine