Related Experiment Videos
Morphometry of the internal thoracic arteries
1Department of Human Biology, Technikon Natal, Durban, South Africa.
Insights
Detailed morphometry of internal thoracic arteries (ITAs) is crucial for surgeries. This study provides key measurements, revealing significant differences in ITA diameter based on race and side, aiding surgical planning.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Vascular Surgery
- Morphometry
Background:
- Internal thoracic arteries (ITAs) are vital for cardiac and reconstructive surgeries.
- Detailed morphometric data for ITAs is currently lacking.
- Accurate ITA measurements are essential for surgical success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively document the morphometry of the internal thoracic arteries (ITAs).
- To provide detailed anatomical measurements of the ITA for surgical applications.
- To investigate potential variations in ITA morphometry across different populations.
Main Methods:
- Post-mortem en-bloc specimens including the aortic arch, great vessels, and anterior chest wall were analyzed.
- Morphometric analysis was performed on 62 adult specimens.
- Measurements of ITA length and diameter were taken at the origin, specific costal cartilage levels, and termination.
Main Results:
- Mean ITA length was consistent between right (18.05 cm) and left (18.085 cm) sides.
- Significant differences in ITA diameter were observed between the right and left sides.
- Notable variations in ITA diameter were also found among different racial groups.
- Specific average diameters were recorded at the origin, first, fourth costal cartilage, and termination for both ITAs.
Conclusions:
- The study provides detailed morphometric data for the internal thoracic arteries.
- ITA length shows no significant side-to-side difference, but diameter varies significantly by side and race.
- These findings enhance anatomical understanding and can inform surgical procedures involving the ITAs.
Abstract:
The surgical significance of the internal thoracic arteries (ITA's) in procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting, transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps and minimal incision direct coronary artery bypass surgery is well recognised. However, the detailed morphometry of these vessels is not well documented. This study aimed to detail the morphometry of the ITA's. Morphometric analysis of these vessels from post mortem en-bloc specimens, consisting of aortic arch, great vessels and ITA's with anterior chest wall was conducted on 62 adults. The mean lengths and diameters of the ITA's at the origin, costal cartilage levels and termination were: length of the right ITA, 18.05 +/- 0.6 cm and the left, 18.085 +/- 0.6 cm. The average diameters recorded at the origin, first costal cartilage, fourth costal cartilage and termination were: right: 3.24 +/- 0.5 mm; 2.85 +/- 0.4 mm; 2.33 +/- 0.6 mm; 1.98 +/- 0.2 mm and left: 3.05 +/- 0.4 mm, 2.67 +/- 0.3 mm; 2.22 +/- 0.3 mm; 1.92 +/- 0.2 mm respectively. Morphometry of the ITA's are detailed. There was no significant difference in length between right and left ITA's although differences between the race groups were demonstrated. Significant differences in diameters in sides and race exist.