Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography of the Transverse Cervical Arterial Supply to Clavicle Flaps: An Anatomical Study

Abstract

Objective

To describe the anatomy of the transverse cervical artery and to prove its perfusion to the clavicle using indocyanine green fluorescence angiography as an alternative vascularized bone for head and neck reconstruction.

Study Design

Cadaveric dissection.

Setting

Anatomy lab.

Methods

Twenty-two necks and shoulders from 11 fresh-frozen cadavers were dissected. The transverse cervical artery diameter, length, emerging point, and the length of clavicle segment harvested were described. Photographic and near-infrared video recordings of the bone’s medial and longitudinal cut surfaces were taken prior to, during, and after indocyanine green injection.

Results

The transverse cervical artery originated from the thyrocervical trunk and emerged at the level of the medial one-third of the clavicle in 22 of 22 (100%) specimens. The average length of the pedicle was 3.6 cm (range, 2.2-4.4 cm), and the mean diameter was 2.5 mm (range, 1.8-3.4 mm). The harvested bone had a mean length of 5.1 cm (range, 4.3-5.8 cm). After injecting the indocyanine green, 22 of 22 (100%) specimens showed enhancement in the periosteum, bony cortex, and medulla.

Conclusion

The middle third of the clavicle can be reliably harvested as a vascularized bone with its perfusion solely from the transverse cervical artery pedicle, as shown by the near-infrared fluorescence imaging. The pedicle was sizable and constant in origin.