Anatomical characteristics of the superficial temporal venous system and implications in microsurgery

Introduction. - The superficial temporal vessels remain underused in microsurgery, the superficial temporal vein (STV) being reported as inconstant. The aim of this study was to precise the anatomical characteristics of the superficial temporal venous system by means of a cadaveric anatomical study and a doppler-ultrasound study on healthy subjects. Materials and methods. - In order to study the anatomical variations of the STV and its different branches in the temporo-parietal area, 10 hemifaces of bodies donated to science were injected with latex and dissected. A doppler-ultrasound study of the superficial temporal venous system was also performed on 10 healthy subjects in order to assess the median diameter of the STV. Results. - A common temporo-parietal trunk was found on all the bodies dissected, with a mean number of 1,6 [1-3] venous affluents. The STV preceded systematically the superficial temporal artery (STA) in the pre-auricular area. The arterio-venous relationships were in contrast highly variable above that area. The diameter of the STV presented major interindividual variations, with a median diameter of 1,3 mm [0,5-2]. Conclusion. - The superficial temporal vessels can be easily identified in the pre-auricular area. With a mean harvestable length of 6,5 cm and a mean diameter of 1,3 mm, the parietal branch of the STV presents a caliber sufficient for the realization of the anastomoses. (C) 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.