Types of inferior mesenteric artery: a proposal for a new classification

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Vascular Surgery
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• The inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) is a major vessel supplying the large intestine.
• Understanding its branching patterns is crucial for surgical procedures.
• Existing classifications may not adequately address the observed variations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the course and morphology of the terminal branches of the IMA.
• To develop a novel classification system for the IMA and its branches.
• To provide anatomical data relevant for surgical planning.

Main Methods:

• Examination of 40 human cadavers fixed in formalin.
• Morphometric measurements of IMA terminal branches.
• Analysis of branching patterns and origin levels.

Main Results:

• A new 5-type classification system for IMA branching was proposed.
• Type I (common trunk) was most frequent (57.5%).
• Significant differences in IMA and left colic artery diameters were noted between sexes.

Conclusions:

• The IMA exhibits high morphological variability.
• A structured anatomical classification is necessary for clinical practice.
• The proposed classification aids in understanding IMA variations for surgical interventions.