Axial pattern flap based on a cutaneous branch of the facial artery in cats

Objective: To describe the cutaneous portion of the facial artery in cats and an axial pattern flap based on a branch of this artery. Study Design: Ex vivo study. Sample Population: Cat cadavers (n=12). Methods: The common carotid artery was identified, cannulated, and infused with methylene blue to assist in the identification of the facial artery, which was subsequently cannulated and selectively infused with methylene blue. The main trunk of the artery and its branches were dissected. The extent of blue coloration of the skin was evaluated on the contralateral side of the same specimen after infusing methylene blue into the facial artery. In 4 specimens, the flap was raised along previously defined borders and adequacy of perfusion was evaluated. Results: The area of skin perfused by the facial artery extended from the lower eyelid dorsally, to the angularis oris cranially, and the wing of the atlas caudally. Borders of the skin flap were defined on the basis of the anatomic dissection and skin coloration after selective infusion of the facial artery with methylene blue. A skin flap of 6 cm × 3.4 cm, based on the first caudally directed cutaneous branch of the facial artery was shown to be well perfused. The viability of this flap was confirmed in a clinical case. Conclusion: The facial artery flap is useful for repair of skin defects of the head in cats.