High-Origin Radial Artery: Frequency and Morphology in Midwestern Cadaveric Specimens

The radial artery (RA) and ulnar artery are continuations of the brachial artery (BA) at the level of the antecubital fossa and supply most structures in the forearm and hand. Given variations in vessel nomenclature at anatomical landmarks, this study aimed to determine the frequency, level, and morphological characteristics of a high-origin RA in Midwestern cadaveric specimens.

To identify these variations, we evaluated the branching of the BA in 31 US Midwestern donor bodies from A.T. Still University's Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine Gift of Body Program. When abnormal BAs were identified, we characterized the variation by describing the RA. Specifically, we identified the RA by tracing it to the distal lateral ventral arm, recorded its length in centimeters, and photographed its origin and course.

Sixty-one upper limbs were evaluated for BA variations. Of these, seven (11.5%) had variations in the bifurcation point, and all originated higher than the antecubital fossa from the axillary artery. Four (57.1%) variations were found in the right limb and 3 (42.9%) in the left.

These results suggest that just over a tenth of BA exhibit variations in arterial branching patterns and emphasize the importance of understanding anatomical variations, particularly in relation to procedures such as coronary artery angiography and percutaneous arterial interventions.