Related Experiment Videos
Unexpected bleeding caused by arterial variation inferolateral to levator palpebrae
Byung Gun Kim1, DoYong Youn, Eun Sung Yoon
1BK Plastic Surgery Clinic, 1-2, Non Hyun-Dong, Kang Nam-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea. bk@clinic.co.kr
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
|November 25, 2003
Summary
Surgeons performing double-eyelid surgery can encounter unexpected bleeding from an artery near the lateral canthus. Identifying and managing this arterial variation is crucial to prevent hematoma, ptosis, and ensure symmetrical results.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmic surgery
- Anatomy
- Surgical complications
Background:
- Bleeding during double-eyelid surgery can lead to intraoperative hematoma, swelling, and temporary ptosis.
- These complications hinder accurate measurements, potentially causing asymmetrical double-eyelid lines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and describe an arterial variation encountered during double-eyelid operations.
- To elucidate the potential complications arising from this arterial variation.
- To propose effective management strategies for intraoperative bleeding.
Main Methods:
- Detailed dissection of 230 eyelids during incisional double-eyelid operations.
- Observation and documentation of arterial variations adjacent to the orbital septum and levator palpebrae.
- Analysis of the anatomical course and connections of the identified artery.
Main Results:
- A noticeable arterial variation was found in 25 out of 230 eyelids (10.8%).
- This artery is located 4-5 mm medial to the lateral canthus, at the inferior margin of the levator palpebrae, superficial to the orbital septum.
- The artery connects to the lateral canthal artery and can retract into the levator palpebrae upon injury, causing significant bleeding and hematoma.
Conclusions:
- The presence of this specific arterial variation should be considered during double-eyelid surgery.
- Clamping the artery and the inferolateral portion of the levator palpebrae is an effective method to control bleeding.
- Electrocautery is not effective for controlling hemorrhage from this artery.