A Study of Anatomical Variations in the Branching Pattern of Aortic Arch in South Indian Population of Mid Karnataka Region

The Perfect Anatomical knowledge of branching pattern of Aortic Arch is very important in avoiding fatal surgical complications during Aortic instrumentation, Thoracic surgeries, Neck surgeries and also in accidental injuries of Thorax & Neck. This study is based on meticulous dissection of Aortic arch in properly embalmed hundred human cadavers. The anatamical variations in the branching pattern of Aortic arch, the distance between the mid vertebral line and point of origin of each branch and diameter of its varies branches at the point of their origin were measured. The normal branching pattern of Aortic arch was observed in 82 specimens ( 82 %). In 12 specimens (12 %), Aortic arch gives two branches the first branch is a common stem for brachiocephalic trunk and left common carotid artery and a second branch is left subclavian artery arising independently from aortic arch. In 3 specimens (3 %) Aortic arch gives 4 branches namely Brachiocephalic trunk, Left common carotid artery, Left subclavian artery and Left vertebral artery and in 2 specimens (2 %), Arotic arch gives three branches, first branch is a common stem for brachiocephalic and Left common carotid artery, a second branch is Left vertebral artery and third branch is Left subclavain artery. In one specimen (1 %), Aortic arch gives three branches first branch is brachiocephalic trunk, a second branch is Left common carotid artery and a third branch is common stem for Left vertebral artery and Left subclavain artery, Brachiocephalic trunk and Left common carotid artery.