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Trifurcation of the right common carotid artery

R Chitra1

  • 1Department of Anatomy, Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery : Official Publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India
|September 16, 2009
PubMed

Insights

A rare trifurcation of the common carotid artery was observed, dividing into the external carotid, internal carotid, and occipital arteries. This anatomical variation highlights the importance of detailed vascular knowledge for medical procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Variations in common carotid artery (CCA) branching are documented.
  • Accurate anatomical knowledge is crucial for head and neck cancer treatments.
  • Intra-arterial chemotherapy requires precise catheterization of head and neck vasculature.

Observation:

  • A unique trifurcation of the right CCA was identified in a 55-year-old male cadaver.
  • The CCA bifurcated into the external carotid artery (ECA), internal carotid artery (ICA), and occipital artery.
  • Additional variations included high bifurcation of bilateral CCAs and a lateral origin of the right ECA.

Findings:

  • The right CCA trifurcated, yielding the ECA, ICA, and occipital artery.
  • Two right-sided ascending pharyngeal arteries were noted, originating from the occipital and internal carotid arteries.
  • Bilateral high CCA bifurcations and a laterally positioned right ECA were also observed.

Implications:

  • Understanding carotid artery anatomical variations is vital for interventional procedures.
  • Knowledge of these variations can prevent complications during catheter insertion for cancer therapy.
  • This case underscores the need for detailed pre-procedural anatomical assessment.

Keywords:
Ascending pharyngeal arterycommon carotid arteryexternal carotid arterylateral positiontrifurcation

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