Summary
Purpose
The aim of the study was to investigate the arterial distribution of the eyelids.
Methods
The location, course, length and diameter of eyelid arteries were determined in 19
preserved and latex injected adult male cadaver heads.
Results
The diameter of the medial palpebral artery was found to be 1.50±0.28 mm on the right, and 0.70±0.12 mm on the left. The diameter of the lateral palpebral artery was measured as 0.62±0.10 mm on the right, and 0.59±0.12 mm on the left. The medial palpebral arteries travelling in the medial part of the
eyelids usually arose as separate branches for the upper and lower lids, as superior
and inferior medial palpebrals. In all cases, four arterial arcades, the marginal,
peripheral, superficial orbital, and the deep orbital arcades, were revealed in the
upper palpebra. These arterial arcades gave off small perforating branches. The perforating
branches were identified on both sides of the tarsal plate and the orbicularis muscle.
In four cases (11%) visible arterial variation was found near the inferolateral end
of the levator palpebrae.
Although many differences in the arterial features of the eyelid have been noted,
there may not be a significant difference in the basic vasculature of the palpebra
among races. A better understanding of the palpebral vascularity should allow modification
of reconstructive techniques and reduce postoperative complications after eyelid surgery.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 20, 2006
Accepted:
January 8,
2006
Received:
March 25,
2003
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
