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Anatomical variants of the profunda femoris artery: an angiographic study

T F Massoud1, E W Fletcher

  • 1Department of Radiological Sciences, UCLA Medical Center 90024, USA.

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|January 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Anatomical variations in the common femoral artery (CFA) branching are common. The profunda femoris artery (PFA) typically gives rise to circumflex arteries, impacting lower limb angiographic procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular anatomy
  • Radiology
  • Human anatomy

Background:

  • The common femoral artery (CFA) bifurcates into superficial and profunda femoris arteries (PFA).
  • The branching patterns of the PFA exhibit significant anatomical variations.
  • Understanding these variations is crucial for interpreting angiographic findings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the normal anatomical variation patterns of the profunda femoris artery (PFA) branching.
  • To correlate these variations with lower limb angiographic procedures.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of normal lower limb angiograms from 94 adult patients.
  • Detailed assessment of the bifurcation of the CFA and the branching patterns of the PFA.

Main Results:

  • A predominant pattern (81% of patients) showed medial and lateral circumflex arteries arising directly from the PFA.
  • The PFA was typically located lateral or posterolateral to the femoral artery in this main pattern.
  • Significant normal anatomical variations in PFA branching were observed.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights common variations in PFA branching, particularly the origin of circumflex arteries.
  • Awareness of these anatomical variations is essential for safe and effective lower limb angiographic interventions.
  • The findings contribute to the understanding of femoropopliteal arterial anatomy and its clinical relevance.

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