Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Anatomical Reconstructions of the Human Cardiac Venous System using Contrast-computed Tomography of Perfusion-fixed Specimens
06:02

Anatomical Reconstructions of the Human Cardiac Venous System using Contrast-computed Tomography of Perfusion-fixed Specimens

Published on: April 18, 2013

Anatomical variants of the lateral femoral circumflex artery: an angiographic study

Hozumi Fukuda1, Mitsutaka Ashida, Rei Ishii

  • 1Department of Radiology, Mitsui Memorial Hospital, 1 Kanda Izumicho Chiyoda-ku, 101-8643 Tokyo, Japan. fkdhzm@jcom.home.ne.jp

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|February 1, 2005
PubMed

Insights

The descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery (LFCA) is a viable graft for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Most patients have an LFCA pattern suitable for this surgical application.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Anatomy

Background:

  • The descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery (LFCA) is increasingly utilized as an arterial graft in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
  • Understanding LFCA anatomical variations is crucial for its successful application in CABG procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess anatomical variants of the LFCA.
  • To determine the prevalence of LFCA patterns suitable for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Main Methods:

  • Femoral arteriograms from 131 adult patients undergoing CABG were analyzed.
  • Anatomical variations of the LFCA were documented.

Main Results:

  • The most common LFCA pattern, originating from the deep femoral artery, was observed in 78.6% of extremities.
  • In 92.3% of CABG cases utilizing the LFCA's descending branch, this common pattern was selected for arterial grafting.

Conclusions:

  • The descending branch of the LFCA is a frequently available and suitable arterial graft for CABG.
  • Knowledge of LFCA anatomy aids in selecting appropriate grafts for coronary artery bypass procedures.

More Related Videos

Two-Dimensional X-Ray Angiography to Examine Fine Vascular Structure Using a Silicone Rubber Injection Compound05:26

Two-Dimensional X-Ray Angiography to Examine Fine Vascular Structure Using a Silicone Rubber Injection Compound

Published on: January 7, 2019

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta07:12

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta

Published on: September 8, 2023

Related Concept Videos

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,...
Anastomoses01:19

Anastomoses

In human anatomy, anastomosis refers to a connection or opening between two things, particularly between blood vessels or other tubular structures. The term is derived from the Greek term 'anastomosis,' which means 'outlet' or 'opening.' This natural network of connections plays a critical role in the survival and functionality of the human body.
Anastomoses can be formed at arterial, venous, and lymphatic vessels.
Arterial Anastomosis: These occur between arteries. They are most common in...
Coronary Circulation01:21

Coronary Circulation

The heart, an organ critical to survival, gets nourishment not from the blood it pumps but from a separate circulation system known as coronary circulation. This is the shortest circulation in the body and is responsible for supplying the heart with the nutrients it needs to function effectively.
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...