Selective angiographic studies prior to Le Fort I osteotomy in patients with cleft lip and palate

In 12 adult patients with cleft lip and palate, external carotid arteriograms were performed. The arterial blood supply to the maxilla, before forward movement by Le Fort I osteotomy was demonstrated. In 14 instances the descending palatine artery and its branches were found to be free from pathological changes. In 10 instances the calibre of the palatine artery was considerably diminished. Clinical experience shows, that after multiple operations for cleft palate, osteotomy of the maxilla with forward movement, can cause circulatory disturbance in the mobilized segments. Such complications can be avoided by the proper choice of procedure. The selective carotid angiogram demonstrates the arterial blood supply to the maxilla and aids in planning correction of the hypoplastic mid-face.