Study of branching pattern of arch of aorta and its variations

Abstract

Background and aims: Study of branching pattern of arch of aorta and its variation is very significant. This study helps in avoiding the surgical, accidental injuries of blood vessels during cardiovascular surgeries and radiological procedures. Present study is aimed at finding out the branching pattern of arch of aorta, variations of its incidence, clinical significance and to correlate its embryological basis. Materials and methods: Present study was conducted on 30 formalin fixed cadavers, which were allotted to the undergraduate students of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute. A comparative analysis was done with previous studies. Results: Usual three-branched aortic arch was found in 23 cadavers (76.66%); variations were found in seven cadavers (23.33%); 10% presented left vertebral artery arising directly from the arch of aorta; 6.66% presented common trunk of left vertebral artery and left subclavian artery; 3.33% presented thyroidea ima artery arising from the arch; 3.33% presented common trunk of brachiocephalic trunk and left common carotid artery. Conclusion: Variations observed in present study were in par with the variations observed by previous studies. Although anomalous origins of the aortic arch branches very rarely produces clinical symptoms but their knowledge is necessary for operating surgeons and interventional radiologist to avoid complications in the thorax, head and neck region.

Keywords

• vertebral artery
• brachiocephalic trunk
• thyroidea ima artery
• common carotid artery
• subclavian artery
• common trunk