Optimizing Cannula Selection: A Cadaveric Study of Arterial Diameters in Facial Artery Branches and Periorbital Arteries.

Abstract

Background: Understanding facial vascular anatomy is critical to minimising complications in injectable aesthetic treatments. Data on arterial diameters in key facial regions remain limited, hindering safe cannula selection.

Objectives: To provide accurate measurements of facial and periorbital arterial diameters to inform cannula selection and explore the relationship between arterial dimensions and potential vascular complications.

Methods: Bilateral dissections were conducted on 49 cadavers of Korean and Thai descent. Measurements of the facial artery branches and periorbital arteries were performed using standardised imaging techniques and analysed with ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). For each artery, multiple segments were measured to account for variations along the vessel length, and both point-specific and average measurements were recorded to acknowledge the limitations of mean-based approaches. The study was conducted between January 2023 and October 2023.

Results: Arterial diameters varied significantly, from 0.7 mm in the dorsal nasal artery to 2.1 mm in the submandibular and superficial temporal arteries. Point-specific measurements revealed variations of up to 23% within individual vessels, highlighting the dynamic nature of arterial dimensions. While larger arteries theoretically present lower risk for intravascular penetration by standard cannulas, this relationship requires clinical validation in living tissue.

Conclusions: While the authors' cadaveric measurements provide anatomical insights, the translation to enhanced safety in clinical practice requires cautious interpretation. The relationship between cannula diameter and arterial dimensions is one of several factors that may influence the risk of vascular complications. Further studies on diverse populations and dynamic vascular anatomy are recommended to establish evidence-based cannula selection protocols.