865 Variation in the Branching Pattern of the Anterior Branches of the External Carotid Artery

Abstract

Abstract Aims The external carotid artery (ECA) shows a variable branching pattern of its stemming vessels. The aim of this study is to investigate the origin of the three primary anterior branches of the external carotid artery (ECA): the superior thyroid (STA), lingual (LA), and facial arteries (FA). Method The branching pattern of the external carotid artery was studied on 15 Thiel embalmed cadavers of Scottish population (7 males and 8 females). The carotid triangle was dissected bilaterally in order to assess the origin sites of the main anterior branches of the ECA (STA, LA and FA) in relation to the carotid bifurcation (CB). Results The STA arises more frequently from the ECA (60%) than from the CCA (40%). The STA, LA and FA emerged as individual branches in 90% of cases. The distances from the origin site to the CB were (8.11 ± 2.77), (19.38 ± 8.85) and (27.95 ± 10.15), for the STA, LA, and FA respectively. Conclusions In-depth knowledge of the branching pattern of the external carotid artery is of great importance. The current findings have confirmed that the ECA branching pattern is highly variable. Therefore, considering some radiological imaging before conducting any invasive procedure in the neck region is vital to prevent iatrogenic injuries.