Lateral Nasal Artery Perforator Flaps: Anatomic Study and Clinical Applications

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Inconsistent findings exist regarding lateral nasal artery (LNA) perforators in prior research.
• Limited cadaveric dissection data is available for LNA perforators, with most studies focusing on facial artery perforators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anatomical characteristics of LNA perforators.
• To assess the feasibility of using LNA perforator flaps for nasal reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Dissection of 16 hemifaces from 8 fresh cadavers.
• Measurement of LNA and perforator length and diameter.
• Assessment of perforator quantity and distribution for skin supply.
• Application of LNA perforator flaps in 10 nasal/perinasal defect reconstructions.

Main Results:

• Mean LNA length: 49.37 mm; mean perforator length: 16.06 mm.
• Mean LNA diameter: 2.08 mm; mean perforator diameter: 0.91 mm.
• A facial map was created highlighting zones with high perforator density.
• No adverse events like infection or flap necrosis were observed post-operatively.

Conclusions:

• Lateral nasal artery (LNA) propeller/V-Y perforator flaps are effective for specific nasal reconstruction cases.
• Cadaveric dissection identified a high-density perforator area in the upper third of the nasolabial groove.