Abstract

Arch of aorta is the continuation of ascending aorta and lies in the superior mediastinum.Normally three main branches arise from the aortic arch in humans- Brachiocephalic trunk (BCT), left Common Carotid artery (LCCA), and left Subclavian artery (LSCA). Brachiocephalic trunk is the first and largest branch of arch of Aorta (AoA). At the level of the upper edge of the right Sternoclavicular joint, it divides into right subclavian and right common Carotid artery. Significant variations are seen in branching pattern of arch of aorta which have been reported by different researchers from time to time. Aims: Anatomical knowledge of the arch of aorta and its branching pattern is important for surgeons and interventional radiologists and cardiologists as the variations in this region are not rare. The present study was aimed at to determine the variations of branching pattern of arch of aorta in humans by cadaveric dissection. Settings and Design: observational study. Materials and methods:The study was carried in 50 formalin fixed cadavers used for dissection training of medical students, at department of Anatomy, Government medical College Srinagar. Dissection was done following the guidelines of Cunningham’s Manual of Practical Anatomy. The observations were recorded in the department for future references. All the data was retrieved and analysed. Data was also collected from pictures available in the department. Statistical analysis used: MS excel. Results: In this study, normal branching pattern of AoA was found to be present in 47(94%) cadavers. 3 (6%) showed variation in branching pattern of AoA. Out of these 3 cadavers, 2 (4%) had vertebral artery arising directly from AoA (Type C). One cadaver showed three branches (2%), BCT, LCCA and LSCA, but origin of BCT lied to the left of mid-vertebral line. Conclusions: The percentage of anomalous branching pattern of AoA was 6%, lower when compared with the previous studies. The most common variation found was four branch pattern of AoA. Left vertebral artery originated directly from AoA between LSA and LCCA. The most interesting finding was the occurrence of three branch pattern an aberrant pattern of BCT wherein its originlied on left side of mid-vertebral line.

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