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Tracking branching variation of the axillary artery
Author(s) -
Hartley Benjamin Rush,
Marquez Samuel
Publication year - 2012
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.26.1_supplement.722.12
Subject(s) - branching (polymer chemistry) , axillary artery , circumflex , medicine , artery , anatomy , cardiology , chemistry , organic chemistry
The axillary artery is divided into three parts for describing branching location. This study quantifies atypical branching in the third part, which usually gives rise to the subscapular artery and anterior and posterior circumflex humeral (CH) arteries. Rarely, the third part yields the profunda brachii artery (PBa). Tracking these branching patterns is important in accurate execution of diagnostic and surgical procedures. Further, as more arteries arise from a common trunk, more structures are at risk for ischemia via vascular insult. Axillary arterial branching was examined in 24 donors, yielding a sample size of 48 configurations. Five types of branching patterns were catalogued: Type 1 being the most common and Type 5 being the least. Pattern frequency was noted as follows: Type 1 = .563; Type 2 = .146; Type 3 = .125; Type 4 = .104; Type 5 = .063. Interestingly, the traditional “textbook” branching pattern (Type 1) was only observed in 56% percent of the sample. An unusual pattern where the PBa and both CH arteries originate from the subscapular artery was observed in over 6% of cases. As the PBa is the single source for collateral circulation of the antebrachium, disturbance to its integrity in these peculiar vascular arrangements, could have profound effects on clinical outcomes. Grant Funding Source : SUNY Downstate College of Medicine