Shihas P. M.1, Rajad R.2, Romi S.3
BACKGROUND
Normally, the arch of aorta gives three branches- brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid and left subclavian arteries. The variations in the branching pattern of aortic arch are numerous due to the altered development of the fourth aortic arch during the embryonic period of gestation. These variations maybe of great surgical importance. Many variations occur in the number and position of vessels arising from the aortic arch. Variations in the branching pattern of aorta are due to the altered development of the fourth aortic arch during the embryonic period of gestation. Aortic arch in human is produced by the persistence and development of the left fourth arch. Usually, the arch of aorta gives three branches, i.e. brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid and left subclavian arteries. The variations of branching patterns of aortic arch are numerous. Although, many of these variations cause no disturbance in the functions of the body, they may be of great importance to the surgeon.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
50 human cadaveric hearts with intact arch of aortae from the Department of Anatomy, Government T.D. Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala, were used to study its branching patterns.
RESULTS
The usual branching pattern of aorta into three branches, i.e. brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid and left subclavian arteries was found in 78%. In 14%, the aortic arch gave rise to two branches, a common trunk (for left common carotid and brachiocephalic trunk) and a left subclavian artery. In 8%, the aortic arch gave rise to four branches, namely brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid, left vertebral and left subclavian arteries.
CONCLUSION
The arch of aorta maybe of different branching patterns due to developmental variations. A knowledge about the variations of branching patterns of arch of aorta will help the surgeon during cardiothoracic surgeries.
