Mapping the course of the greater palatine artery using handheld Doppler: a descriptive cross-sectional study

To map the course of the greater palatine artery (GPA) using a handheld Doppler device and evaluate its relationship with tooth position, midpalatine raphe, palatal morphology, side, and sex in healthy adults.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 49 healthy participants. The GPA was identified bilaterally from the maxillary first premolar to second molar using a 10 MHz handheld Doppler probe. Two measurements were recorded: tooth-to-GPA distance and GPA-to-midpalatine raphe distance. Palatal morphology was categorized clinically. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, independent t-tests, and paired comparisons, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Tooth-to-GPA distance decreased progressively from premolar to molar regions, while GPA-to-midpalatine raphe distance increased posteriorly, indicating lateral displacement of the artery. Palatal morphology significantly influenced tooth-to-GPA distance at teeth 24 (p = 0.04), 25 (p = 0.022), 26 (p = 0.029), and 27 (p=0.025). No significant differences were observed at other sites. There were no statistically significant variations based on side or sex (p > 0.05).

The GPA follows a predictable posterior and lateral course with morphology-dependent variation. Handheld Doppler provides a reliable, non-invasive method for real-time, patient-specific vascular mapping.

Preoperative Doppler localization of the GPA can aid in individualized surgical planning and reduce the risk of intraoperative hemorrhage during palatal procedures.