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. 2020 Dec;19(4):511-516.
doi: 10.1007/s12663-020-01440-w. Epub 2020 Aug 28.

Potential Benefits from the Use of the Supraclavicular Artery Island Flap for Immediate Soft-Tissue Reconstruction During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Alexandra Thompson  1 , Zia Khan  1 , Alan Patterson  1 , Kapil Java  1 , Iain Varley  1
Affiliations

Potential Benefits from the Use of the Supraclavicular Artery Island Flap for Immediate Soft-Tissue Reconstruction During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Alexandra Thompson et al. J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has placed significant strains on healthcare resources including staff, theatre, high dependency and intensive care availability. Surgery remains the optimal treatment for the majority of oral malignancies, and primary reconstruction is often necessary to avoid significant morbidity as a result of ablative procedures.

Description: The supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) is increasingly finding a place as an alternative to free flap reconstruction of soft-tissue defects and has several specific advantages when compared to use of a soft-tissue free flap during the COVID-19 pandemic. It can be used for a range of head and neck defects.

Results: We describe our experience with the SCAIF during the pandemic in five patients with a variety of tumour types and locations. All five patients had a successful outcome with none requiring further reconstruction and all had a functional swallow postoperatively, including a patient who underwent a total pharyngeal reconstruction with a SCAIF.

Discussion: The use of a SCAIF during the current COVID-19 pandemic has significant advantages and is a reliable alternative to a soft tissue free flap.

Keywords: COVID-19; Oncology; Reconstruction; Supraclavicular artery island flap.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Skin flap markings
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Confirmation of the pedicle vessel with intra-operative Doppler and transillumination but is not always readily identifiable
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Patient 1—SCC right posterolateral tongue
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Patient 1 at three weeks post op, intra-oral view
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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