Pre-operative ultrasound enables visualization of mandibular arterial branches relevant to flap design in mucogingival surgery. This study documents the pre-and post operative course of these arteries in four CAF procedures using a CE-marked ulstrasound device within its intended purpose.
Pre-operative ultrasound imaging offers a non-invasive method to visualize superficial arteries of the mandible and can complement the surgeon's anatomical knowledge when planning incisions for CAF procedures. By mapping the vascular network before surgery and comparing it with intra- and post-operative findings, clinicians can better understand how arterial patterns relate to surgical anatomy and flap perfusion. This prospective case series documents four CAF procedures (single recession lower incisors, multiple recessions lower incisors, single recession lateral posterior, multiple recessions lateral posterior) performed in the mandibular anterior region, aiming to describe the course and variability of the mental, ascending mental, submental, and inferior labial arteries. The ultrasound system used is CE-marked and applied strictly within its intended purpose (soft-tissue imaging). The study seeks to enhance anatomical awareness.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
4
UZLeuven, Campus St. Raphaël, Department Oral Health Sciences, Periodontology
Leuven, Vlaams Brabant, Belgium
Correlation
Correlation between pre-operative ultrasound findings and intra-/post-operative visualization of mandibular arterial branches (mental, ascending mental, submental, and inferior labial arteries), expressed as agreement in location, trajectory, and branching pattern
Time frame: Immediately after surgery
Intra-operative bleeding
Incidence and severity of intra-operative bleeding (mild, moderate, severe)
Time frame: during surgery
perfusion or ischemic changes
Presence of perfusion or ischemic changes in the flap area, evaluated clinically
Time frame: 14 days after surgery
Clinical outcome: percentage of root coverage
Clinical outcome including percentage of root coverage (%RC)
Time frame: 4 months after surgery
Clinical Outcome: Gain in keratinized tissue
Clinical outcome, including gain in keratinized tissue (KT, mm)
Time frame: 4 months after surgery
Feasibility of pre-operative ultrasound mapping
ability to visualize and identify relevant arterial branches before surgery (yes/no)
Time frame: 10 minutes before surgery
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