Abstract:

Objective    To obtain the detailed anatomical data on submental artery island flap (SAIF) including the location, dimension and relationship of the submental artery with the submental vein. Methods    Fifteen cases of 30 sides of fresh adult wet cadaveric heads were examined for gross and microscopic anatomy. Artery perfusion system was mixed with red dye emulsion and intravenous with blue dye emulsion. Vernier caliper was used for measurement and statistical analysis parameters, including initial diameter of the submental artery and its accompanying vein, length and main branch of submental artery and its relation with surface mark. Typical specimen and variations were observed and photographic retained. After artery was perfused with black ink, submental skin dyeing range was observed, the maximum length and width of the SAIF were measured and recorded, and the ranges that the flaps cover were surveyed. Results    The submental artery was a well defined and stable branch of the facial artery, and its length was (69.1±7.47; mean±SD) mm. At its origin, the diameter of the submental artery was (1.6±0.47) mm. The distance from mandible lower edge to submental artery was (5.4±1.63) mm. As it courses, the submental artery gave off (6.5±1.09) branches. The venous drainage of the SAIF was via the submental vein into the facial vein. The vein had a diameter of (2.30±0.58) mm at the origin. The maximum size of the flap could be 84.6mm×53.5mm. Conclusion    The submental artery is a major blood-supple artery of the SAIF, which is a constant branch of the facial artery. Because of its abundant blood supply and convenient surgical proceeding, SAIF is a useful flap in head and neck repair and reconstruction.

Key words: Submental artery, Regional anatomy, Surgical flaps, Submental vein