Supraclavicular Flap

The supraclavicular flap is a pedicled fasciocutaneous flap that is based off the supraclavicular artery, a branch of the transverse cervical artery. The supraclavicular artery typically branches about 3–4 cm from the origin of the transverse cervical artery and crosses the clavicle in the middle to lateral third. The supraclavicular artery can typically be located with Doppler in the posterior triangle of the neck, and computed tomography angiography can be obtained to confirm the presence and size of the supraclavicular artery. The skin paddle is designed over the ventral surface of the deltoid muscle. The flap has gained popularity as a reconstructive option for many cutaneous and mucosal defects of the head and neck, although the complication rates have been found to be significantly higher in mucosal reconstructions. The supraclavicular flap is a thin pliable flap that has significantly shorter operative times compared to free fasciocutaneous flap reconstructions.