Variations in branching pattern of arch of aorta in Gujarat region

Background and aim : Study of variation in branching pattern of arch of aorta is important for cardiovascular surgeons to avoid injury during procedures like angiography and stenting of aorta. These variations are frequently encountered during surgical procedures, as a developmental alteration in branchial arch during embryonic period. The aim of present study is to describe variation in branching pattern of arch of aorta belonging to Gujarati population and these results will be of significance for anatomists for relating it with embryological basis, cardiovascular surgeons and radiologists. Materials and methods : Forty embalmed cadavers were observed for study of branching pattern of arch of aorta during period of four year in Department of Anatomy in Smt N.H.L.Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad. Results : In the present study, normal branching pattern of the arch of aorta was found in 92.5% cases. In 2.5% cases only two vessels originated from the arch of aorta, one of them was common trunk for brachiocephalic trunk and left common carotid artery and the second trunk was left subclavian artery. In 5% of cases four vessels arose from arch of aorta , the left vertebral artery arose directly from aorta with normal branching pattern. Conclusion : Vascular invasive procedures are increasing since last decade. So knowledge of variation in branches of arch of aorta is essential for cardiologist, cardiovascular surgeon as well as for radiologist.