I had 5 neck dissections, three that were radical. The last one, a year ago with the main section of thecarotid artery removed, no vein graft, vagus nerve, and others. This supplies blood to the brain. The previous pec flap was enough to sufficiently cover it again since there are still surgical stubs, and previously had my neck muscle, vein, and nerve removed back in 2011 whereby they put alloderm on carotid to protect it. The Pec Flap will help protect the carotid from damage, erosion by fluids from, leakage, and more radiation can be given with fresh tissue, if needed, I did.

There is also the external carotid artery, that branches off the main carotid/ internal carotid supplying blood to the facial tissue, muscles. I don't know which it was or the same as mine, but I can try to help answer some questions you may have after you speak with the doctors, and your husband recovers.

Wishing all the best.