Branching Pattern of Subclavian Artery– A Cadaveric Study

Abstract

Introduction: Several variants in Subclavian Artery (SA) have been reported, yet its branching pattern has not been reappraised in the recent years. Aim: To investigate the subclavian artery and its ramification to understand well its anatomy and surgical significance. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two Subclavian arteries in 16 (8 male and 8 female) adult cadavers were dissected bilaterally and their origin, termination, course and branching pattern were investigated. The study was conducted in Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Porur, Chennai, India, from July 2012 to February 2014. Cadavers showing surgical intervention or any visible abnormalities in the region were excluded. Results: The origin and termination of the Subclavian artery were normal throughout. The branching pattern could be classified into three types: Type I (20 arteries), Type II (11 arteries) and Type III (1 artery). The artery showed normal course in all cases except one with a transfixed course i.e., it perforated the Scalenus anterior muscle. Conclusion: Comparison and analysis of the results with previous works showed that the origin, termination, course and branching pattern of the Subclavian artery exhibited conventionality. This information shall, thereby, contribute to literature and aid anatomists, head and neck surgeons, vascular surgeons and radiologists.

Keywords

• branch
• scalenus anterior muscle
• thyrocervical trunk