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The bilateral nature and origin of the lateral circumflex femoral artery
Author(s) -
Ahamed Tarnima,
Abramowitz Jason,
Pagano Anthony Santino,
Marquez Samuel
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.447.8
Subject(s) - anatomy , circumflex , deep femoral artery , medicine , femoral artery , anastomosis , artery , cardiology , surgery
The lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) gives rise to the ascending, transverse, and descending branches before anastamosing with the medial circumflex femoral artery (MCFA). Aside from its great importance in this proximal femoral anastomotic network, the descending branch of the LCFA is often used in a range of reconstructive vascular surgeries. Thus variation in LCFA branch origins is of great clinical relevance. The LCFA is typically described as arising from the deep artery of the thigh close to the femoral artery. However, few have investigated the distribution of LCFA branches. This study surveys 14 lateral circumflex femoral arteries from seven donor bodies representing adults from an urban population. Results showed a large amount of variation in the origin of the three contributing branches of the LCFA. In 50% of the sample, all three LCFA branches arise from one point. The descending and ascending arteries will each arise from separate locations in 22% and 14% of cases, respectively. In 14% of cases, each branch arose from different locations on the LCFA while 7% showed all branches arising from the deep femoral artery with no LCFA present. Approximately 43% of the individuals showed complete bilateral asymmetry, underscoring the highly variable nature of LCFA branching patterns. These findings reveal a great amount of diversity in vascular anatomy both between and within individuals. Grant Funding Source: Downstate Medical Center