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Published on: April 18, 2013
A Morphometric Study of the Internal Thoracic Artery and Its Branches
1Dr Anureet Mitra, Senior Resident, Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, India-143001;
Abstract:
The clinical importance of the internal thoracic arteries in procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting, transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps and minimal incision direct coronary artery bypass surgery is well appreciated. The broad clinical utilization of the internal thoracic artery including the role of its branches in supplying blood to the sternum requires explicit anatomical knowledge of the vessel. The internal thoracic artery and its branches are known to exhibit morphological variations for different ethnic groups. Few studies have provided information regarding structural details and patterns of artery and its branches. The present morphometric study was conducted during year 2019. The internal thoracic artery and its branches were dissected and observed on 100 embalmed adult human cadavers of either sex (200 thoracic halves). The origin, diameter at origin and length of the artery were noted. The branching pattern and variations in branching blueprint were documented in this pioneer study. Mean length of branches of artery and mean distance between anterior intercostal arteries was quantified in this pioneer study. Sternal branches were observed in 87% instances on right side. Incidence of pericardiophrenic branches was 90% cases on left side. The origin of pericardiophrenic artery was found to be in 3rd or 4th intercostal space. The incidence of anterior intercostal arteries arising from musculophrenic artery was 73%. A detailed realization of this branching pattern would definitely allow prevention of sternal necrosis and improve prognosis in internal thoracic artery surgical mobilizations. The quantification of diameter at origin in North Indians would aid in determining central venous pressure, introducing pacemaker and administrating drugs in emergency.
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