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J Reconstr Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/a-2717-4031
Original Article

Anatomical Study of Venous Valves and Valve-Like Structures in the Superficial Temporal Veins: Implications for Reconstructive Surgery

Authors

  • Yunzhang Wang

    1   The Department of Perineal Plastic Surgery and Gender Reshaping of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China

  • Zilong Cao

    1   The Department of Perineal Plastic Surgery and Gender Reshaping of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China

  • Qiang Yue

    1   The Department of Perineal Plastic Surgery and Gender Reshaping of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China

  • Shu Rui

    1   The Department of Perineal Plastic Surgery and Gender Reshaping of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China

  • Tiran Zhang

    1   The Department of Perineal Plastic Surgery and Gender Reshaping of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China

  • Liqiang Liu

    1   The Department of Perineal Plastic Surgery and Gender Reshaping of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China

Funding Information This work was supported by the Capital Health Research and Development of Special Fund (number: 2024-2-4044).
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Abstract

Background

Detailed knowledge of venous valves and valve-like structures is essential in reconstructive surgery, as these structures may contribute to postoperative venous congestion following flap transfer. However, their presence in the superficial temporal veins (STVs), which are frequently utilized in craniofacial reconstruction, remains unclear. The authors performed morphological and morphometrical examinations of venous valves and valve-like structures in the STVs through cadaver dissection.

Methods

This study involved the longitudinal dissection of 24 STVs from 12 cadavers. The veins were then examined under a stereomicroscope to determine the presence of venous valves or valve-like structures, and their quantity and location were recorded.

Results

The STVs contain both venous valves and valve-like structures known as venous cristae. All observed venous valves were bicuspid, whereas venous cristae were characterized by ridge-like protrusions of venous wall into the lumen. A total of 5 venous valves and 69 cristae were identified across 24 STVs. Venous valves were exclusively located in the main trunks of the STVs, whereas venous cristae were classified into five types based on their locations, with venous bifurcations being the most common sites. Most main trunks (22/24)contained either one venous valve or one crista, and the average distances from these structures to the superior margin of the zygomatic arch were 8.42 ± 0.80 and 9.03 ± 0.86 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

A comprehensive understanding of the characteristics, quantity, and distribution of venous valves and cristae in the STVs could provide valuable insights for surgeons in preventing postoperative venous congestion.

Keywords

superficial temporal veins - flap transfer - postoperative venous congestion - venous valves - venous cristae

Ethical Approval

This study was approved by the Hospital Ethics Committee of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (Approval Code: 2025(10)).


Informed Consent

Written informed consent for scientific research was obtained from the donors or their authorized representatives.




Publication History

Received: 31 March 2025

Accepted: 21 September 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
09 October 2025

Article published online:
29 January 2026

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