Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2025
08:12
Fully Endoscopic Mitral Valve Repair with Percutaneous Cannulation of Groin Vessels
Published on: May 26, 2023
1.8K
Minimally Invasive Cervical Access in Head and Neck Microvascular Surgery
Neel Patel1, Arshad Kaleem2, Ramzey Tursun3
1Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Head and Neck Surgical Oncology & Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery, University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA.
Summary
This study introduces a minimally invasive technique for microvascular anastomosis using a small incision below the mandible. The approach achieved 100% flap success with excellent esthetic outcomes and minimal patient morbidity.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Microsurgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Free flap reconstruction frequently requires extensive cervical incisions for microvascular anastomosis.
- This approach is often disproportionate to the pathology requiring treatment.
- A less invasive method for accessing vessels is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a novel, minimally invasive technique for microvascular anastomosis.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of this approach in free flap reconstruction.
- To compare outcomes with traditional extensive cervical access methods.
Main Methods:
- A prospective case series of 43 patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction from 2015-2020.
- Utilized a small 2 cm incision for vessel access below the mandible (facial artery/vein).
- Assessed flap success, postoperative facial nerve function (House-Brackmann scale), and scar aesthetics (Visual Analog Scale).
Main Results:
- Achieved 100% flap success in all 43 cases.
- One patient experienced temporary House-Brackmann grade 2 facial weakness, resolving within one week.
- Mean scar satisfaction score was high at 9.23/10 (SD 0.83).
Conclusions:
- This minimally invasive technique offers a viable alternative to extensive cervical incisions for microvascular anastomosis.
- The approach demonstrates high flap success rates and superior esthetic results.
- It significantly reduces patient morbidity associated with traditional methods.
