Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
04:56

Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Published on: August 1, 2025

Internal thoracic artery collateral to the external iliac artery in chronic aortoiliac occlusive disease

Jinna Kim1, Jong Yun Won, Sung Il Park

  • 1Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. dyl@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr

Korean Journal of Radiology
|October 8, 2003
PubMed

Insights

In chronic aortoiliac occlusive disease, the internal thoracic artery is a key collateral pathway. This study found it consistently provided collateral perfusion in patients with severe aortoiliac obstruction.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Radiology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

  • Chronic aortoiliac occlusive disease (CAOD) significantly impacts lower limb perfusion.
  • Understanding collateral circulation is crucial for managing CAOD.
  • The role of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) in CAOD collateralization requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of ITA involvement in collateral pathways for CAOD.
  • To describe the angiographic characteristics of ITA-mediated collateral flow in CAOD.
  • To assess the significance of the ITA as a collateral route in severe aortoiliac disease.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 124 patients with CAOD undergoing angiography.
  • Detailed evaluation of aortograms and collateral arteriograms, including ITAs, in 15 patients with severe obstruction.
  • Review of medical records to correlate findings with clinical presentation.

Main Results:

  • All 15 patients with severe aortoiliac obstruction demonstrated collateral perfusion via hypertrophied ITAs.
  • Rich anastomoses between superior and inferior epigastric arteries were observed, reconstituting external iliac artery flow.
  • ITA collateralization was present irrespective of symptom duration, ranging from six months to twelve years.

Conclusions:

  • The internal thoracic artery serves as a major parietal collateral pathway in patients with CAOD.
  • ITA collaterals, alongside visceral and contralateral pathways, are vital for maintaining perfusion in severe aortoiliac disease.
  • Angiographic identification of ITA collateralization is important for comprehensive assessment of CAOD.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Assessing Therapeutic Angiogenesis in a Murine Model of Hindlimb Ischemia07:48

Assessing Therapeutic Angiogenesis in a Murine Model of Hindlimb Ischemia

Published on: June 8, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Abdominal Aorta01:25

Abdominal Aorta

Once the aorta traverses the diaphragmatic plane at the aortic hiatus, it is known as the abdominal aorta. This anatomical structure is positioned leftward of the spinal column, encased within a cocoon of adipose tissue behind the peritoneal cavity. It terminates at the L4 vertebra, where it splits into the common iliac arteries. Prior to this bifurcation, the abdominal aorta gives rise to several vital branches.
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
Arteries of Lower Limbs01:20

Arteries of Lower Limbs

The external iliac artery transitions out of the body cavity, entering the femoral region of the lower leg, and is renamed the femoral artery at the point where it traverses the body wall. This artery is responsible for the distribution of blood to the thigh's deep muscles and the skin's ventral and lateral regions, achieved through several minor branches and the lateral deep femoral artery, which also spawns a lateral circumflex artery. The knee area receives blood from the genicular artery,...
Thoracic Aorta01:15

Thoracic Aorta

The thoracic section of the aorta begins at the T5 vertebra and extends to the T12 level at the diaphragm, initially progressing through the mediastinum to the left of the spinal column. Throughout its course in the thoracic segment, the thoracic aorta emits various offshoots known collectively as visceral and parietal branches. The branches that predominantly supply blood to visceral organs are termed visceral branches and include bronchial, pericardial, esophageal, and mediastinal arteries,...
The Arch of Aorta01:10

The Arch of Aorta

The coronary arteries, originating from the ascending aorta, bifurcate from two sinuses located within the ascending aorta. Positioned just above the aortic semilunar valve, these sinuses house essential aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, crucial for maintaining cardiac function. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery branch off from the left posterior and anterior aortic sinuses, respectively.
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...