Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026
09:14
Surgical Approach to Full Soft Tissue Face Allograft Procurement for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation
Published on: December 30, 2025
170
Divergent vascular courses in the submental lymph node flap revealed by cadaveric study
Siripong Lueangritthiwut1, Parkpoom Piyaman2, Sirin Apichonbancha1
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Scientific Reports
|March 15, 2026
Summary
This study details the venous anatomy of vascularized submental lymph node (VSLN) flaps, crucial for lymphedema treatment. Findings reveal key drainage patterns into the anterior jugular and facial veins, guiding improved surgical techniques.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Microsurgery
- Lymphedema Treatment
Background:
- Vascularized submental lymph node (VSLN) flap transfer shows promise for lymphedema.
- The venous anatomy of VSLN flaps requires further investigation for surgical optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomical variations of the submental artery and vein.
- To map the hilar artery and vein courses connecting lymph nodes in VSLN flaps.
- To provide recommendations for VSLN flap dissection techniques.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 40 VSLN flaps from 20 Thai cadavers.
- Injection of colored latex into major neck vessels.
- Coronal slicing and stereomicroscopic examination of dissected flaps.
Main Results:
- Submental artery and vein followed parallel courses in 80% of flaps, typically deep to the anterior belly of the digastric muscle (ABDM).
- Hilar vessels showed varied drainage: 13.7% to anterior jugular vein, 30.1% to facial vein, and 49.7% to submental vein.
- The anterior jugular and facial veins play significant roles in VSLN flap venous drainage.
Conclusions:
- The anterior jugular vein's role in VSLN flap drainage is underrecognized.
- Facial vein contribution is critical for VSLN flap viability.
- Recommended dissection includes ABDM, facial vessels, and potentially the anterior jugular vein to enhance efficacy and reduce venous congestion.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Veins of Head and Neck
6.6K
The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
6.6K
01:15Development of the Lymphatic System
2.5K
The development of lymphatic tissues and vessels in embryonic life begins around the fifth week. These structures originate from the mesoderm layer, with lymph sacs emerging from developing veins.
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
2.5K