Flaps pedicled on the superficial temporal artery and vein in facial reconstruction: a versatile option with a venous pitfall
Review published in Journal of plastic surgery and hand surgery (2011)
Abstract
Flaps pedicled on the superficial temporal vessels are versatile in reconstruction of the face and scalp. Various tissues can be harvested and flexible pivot points and long pedicles allow for them to reach the entire face. Colour and texture match is good, and morbidity at the donor site is usually minimal. However, venous anatomy of the temporal area is unpredictable, and this anatomical point has not been clearly reported in papers and anatomical atlases. One must be aware of the risk of venous inconsistency and plan the pedicle accordingly. In the absence of a suitable vein, drainage can be provided through concomitant veins in a sufficient cuff of fascia around the pedicle's artery. We have reviewed published reports about reconstructive possibilities provided by temporal flaps, for descriptions of the venous drainage of the temporal area, and for salvage procedures in case of venous stasis. We present our own salvage procedure, the "modified poor man's leech", in which continuous venous oozing from a de-epithelialised area is maintained by topical heparin and low molecular weight heparin injections and may save a congested flap.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Flaps pedicled on the superficial temporal vessels are versatile in reconstruction of the face and scalp.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este artículo revisa el uso de colgajos de vasos temporales superficiales en la reconstrucción facial y del cuero cabelludo, señalando que la anatomía venosa de la región temporal es impredecible y puede provocar congestión. Los autores presentan un procedimiento de rescate que denominan la 'sanguijuela del pobre modificada' ('modified poor man's leech'), en el cual se mantiene un sangrado venoso continuo desde una zona desepitelizada mediante heparina tópica e inyecciones de heparina de bajo peso molecular para aliviar un colgajo congestionado. La relevancia para la hirudoterapia se limita al nombre metafórico que los autores dan a la técnica, que hace referencia a las sanguijuelas; el resumen no formula afirmaciones sobre las sanguijuelas medicinales como tratamiento estándar, ni sostiene que el método basado en heparina mimetice los efectos de las sanguijuelas. No se evalúan la terapia real con sanguijuelas ni los componentes del secretoma de las sanguijuelas.
Citación
Flaps pedicled on the superficial temporal artery and vein in facial reconstruction: a versatile option with a venous pitfall
Ausen K et al. · Journal of plastic surgery and hand surgery, 2011
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026