The Anatomy of Sentinel Vein Based on Cadaver and Ultrasound

BACKGROUND: The sentinel vein (SV) plays a vital role in temporal rhytidectomy and temporal cosmetic injection procedures. Accurate anatomic localization and morphologic data of this vein are currently lacking. This study delineates its detailed anatomic characteristics through cadaver anatomy and ultrasonic examination. METHODS: Twenty cadavers (40 temporal regions) were dissected, and 20 healthy volunteers (40 temporal regions) underwent ultrasonographic examination. The course, caliber, spatial depth, tributaries, and superficial projection of the SV were documented, along with its positional relationship to the frontal branch of the facial nerve. RESULTS: The SV presents a mean of 2.4 tributaries and can be categorized into 6 confluence types based on tributary course. The vein comprises a horizontal segment and a vertical segment. The horizontal segment travels superficially parallel to the skin within the plane between the superficial temporal fascia and subcutaneous fat before transitioning into the vertical segment, which ultimately drains into the middle temporal vein (MTV). The superficial projection of the SV and its anatomic relationship with the frontal branch of the facial nerve exhibit relatively consistent anatomic features. CONCLUSIONS: This study established 6 anatomic classification patterns of the SV and quantified its superficial projection landmarks. These findings provide critical anatomic references for temporal rhytidectomy and temporal cosmetic filler injection.