The Superiorly Based Trapezius Myocutaneous Flap for Emergency Carotid Artery Coverage

The superiorly based trapezius myocutaneous flap for emergency carotid artery coverage was the subject of a paper presented by Michael Maves, St Louis, and James L. Netterville, Nashville, Tenn, at the Fall meeting of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The problem is to divert saliva away from the carotid artery, cover the exposed carotid artery, and create an optimal environment for healing. The options have included the deltopectoral flap, local tissue coverage, advancement of apron skin flaps, and the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. The superiorly based trapezius flap can be used when other options have failed. It does not burn the bridges for free flaps because it only uses the upper two of four arteries supplying the trapezius muscle. Other advantages include the fact that the superiorly based trapezius myocutaneous flap is technically simple, brings in healthy tissue, does not tether the neck, and access is