Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 9, 2026
09:14
Surgical Approach to Full Soft Tissue Face Allograft Procurement for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation
Published on: December 30, 2025
151
Nasal Unit Transplantation: A Cadaveric Anatomical Feasibility Study.
Amir H Dorafshar1, Gerhard S Mundinger1, Brent Robinson2
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.
Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery
|December 27, 2016
Summary
Isolated nasal unit transplantation (NUT) is technically feasible using the facial artery and vein. However, optimal perfusion for contralateral nasal reconstruction may necessitate bilateral vascular pedicle anastomoses.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Transplantation Surgery
- Anatomy
Background:
- Vascularized composite allotransplantation has advanced significantly.
- Transplantation of facial units, like the nose, is becoming increasingly possible.
- Technical feasibility of isolated nasal unit transplantation (NUT) has not been previously studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the anatomical and technical aspects of isolated nasal unit transplantation (NUT).
- To assess the viability of using the facial artery and vein as pedicles for NUT.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of bilateral vascular pedicles in four fresh cadaver heads.
- Cannulation and injection of the facial artery with dye or lead oxide mixture to assess perfusion.
- Evaluation of vascular anatomy and anastomoses.
Main Results:
- The facial artery and vein are adequate pedicles for NUT.
- Consistent anastomoses between the facial vein and superior transverse orbital arcade were observed.
- Unilateral arterial inflow may be insufficient for contralateral nasal unit perfusion.
Conclusions:
- Isolated nasal unit transplantation (NUT) is technically feasible.
- Angiosome evaluation suggests bilateral pedicle anastomoses may be necessary for optimal perfusion.
- Further research is needed to confirm perfusion dynamics.
