Anatomical Mapping of the Facial Artery and Facial Vein Relative to Bony Landmarks: A Morphometric and Morphological Study for Navigating Vascular Clinical Risks.

BACKGROUND

Facial vascular anatomy exhibits significant complexity and individual diversity, which are central to managing potential procedural complications. This study aims to provide a comprehensive topographic map and morphometric analysis of the facial artery (FA) and facial vein (FV) relative to stable bony landmarks to characterize their distribution and morphological variations.

METHODS

Head and neck computed tomography angiography images of 200 patients (400 FA and FV) were analyzed. The detailed courses and variations in the FA and FV were evaluated, and their distances to various bony landmarks and anatomical planes were measured.

RESULTS

We identified 10 FA and 3 FV types, including one new FV variation. The most common FA type was the lateral nasal type, which predominantly coursed medial to the nasolabial fold. In the infraorbital region, areas outside 1.64 cm (right) and 1.55 cm (left) of the rhinion represent lower vascular density zones. For the medial nasolabial fold, areas closer than 1.53 cm (right) and 1.46 cm (left) from the anterior nasal spine superiorly, and nearer than 2.23 cm on the right and 2.07 cm on the left from the alveolar process of the maxilla inferiorly, represent lower vascular density zones relative to the FA.

CONCLUSIONS

A detailed anatomical framework of the FA and FV was established, providing a stable reference for anatomical navigation and vascular clinical risk mitigation. The distance between vessels and bony landmarks was greater in males compared to females, and in younger individuals compared to older ones.

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