STUDY ON BRANCHING PATTERN OF ARCH OF AORTA IN SOUTH INDIAN POPULATION

Background and aim: Arch of aorta is the continuation of ascending aorta lies in the superior mediastinum. The present study aims at finding the branching pattern of arch of aorta correlate it with the embroyological and clinical significance. Materials and Methods: 30 formalin-fixed cadavers procured from the department of anatomy, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Sciences, Madhuranthagam were dissected to study the branching pattern of arch of aorta. Results: Out of 30 cadavers 19 cadavers Normal pattern (Right brachiocephalic, Left common carotid and Left subclavian artery).10 cadavers showed the left common carotid arising in common with the brachiocephalic trunk. Only one showed the left vertebral artery directly from the aorta, the origin lying between left carotid and left subclavian arteries. Conclusion: Knowledge of normal anatomy and frequency in the variations in the branching pattern of the arch of aorta is of great importance in patients who have to undergo aortic instrumentation, four vessel angiography or supraaortic thoracic, head and neck surgery.