The use of multislice CT angiography preoperative study for supraclavicular artery island flap harvesting

The vascular anatomy of the supraclavicular artery island (SAI) flap has been investigated using both cadaveric anatomic dissections and angiographic studies. Accurate preoperative evaluation and localization of its vascular pedicle confirms its location, course, anatomic variation, and improves flap success. The objective of this report is to demonstrate the utility of multislice computed tomography (CT) angiography for confirming the presence of the vascular pedicle of the SAI flap when planning head and neck reconstruction.

Patients were studied using 64-multislice CT angiography (CTA) to localize the supraclavicular artery, including its origin and destination. Axial images, multiplanar reconstructions, and 3D volume-rendered images were analyzed on a Philips workstation. Radiologic image findings and clinical experience will be described.

SAI CT angiography was successfully performed in 15 patients (30 shoulders) ranging from ages 22 to 81 years. Accurate identification of the main vascular pedicle was achieved in 14/15 patients. Location, course, pedicle length, and anatomic variations were reported for 23 of 30 arteries. Mean vessel diameter was found to be 1.49 mm (range, 0.8-2.0 mm) on the right and 1.51 mm (range, 1.0-2.1 mm) on the left. The mean length of the artery was 38.3 mm on the right (range, 26.6-59.6 mm) and 38.4 mm on the left (range, 24.3-67.0 mm). In all patients, the supraclavicular artery originated off the transverse cervical artery-a branch of the thyrocervical trunk. Positioning of the patient's upper extremities at the side was helpful in the identification of the supraclavicular artery and its distribution. Contrast injection site should be contralateral to the side needed for the flap if sidedness is of importance, secondary to contrast bolus artifact.

Preoperative evaluation of the SAI flap with multislice computed tomography angiography is feasible in patients. A radiologic study protocol has been developed which improves the ability to detect this vessel. This technique provides a noninvasive approach to the identification of the vascular anatomy and is easily standardized/reproducible. The identification of the vascular pedicle and its anatomy can be a benefit to the surgical team during preoperative design of the SAI flap; however, clinical experience confirming these radiologic findings will be needed to optimize surgical outcome.