Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 30, 2026
An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
The infraorbital artery: From descriptive anatomy to mucosal perforator flap design
Katharina Hufschmidt1, Olivier Camuzard1, Thierry Balaguer1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Nice, Nice, France.
Background:
The terminal and perforating branches of the infraorbital artery (IOA) are poorly described. Its anatomical situation and mucosal component could provide an interesting donor site for mucosal reconstruction. The aims of the following study were to establish an anatomical description and to assess the feasibility of mucosal perforator flaps for eyelid and nasal reconstruction.
Methods:
Twenty-three fresh cadaver hemifaces were studied in order to perform an IOA anatomical classification by recording the artery's characteristics, its course, number, type, and diameter of terminal branches. We also examined the feasibility of local flaps for facial reconstruction.
Results:
We highlighted five different types of courses. All cadavers had at least one superior vestibular branch with a caliber of ≥0.4 mm. A pedicled flap arising from the vestibular branch was raised in all dissections.
Conclusion:
The vestibular perforator flap based on the IOA seems to be a reliable flap in reconstruction of mucosal defects.
Related Concept Videos
02:01Group Design
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
02:03Anatomy of the Circulatory System
01:27Anatomy of the Heart
01:22Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
01:25Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...