EP.WE.78Variation 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). Methods 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 uncover the common carotid (CCA), internal carotid (ICA) and external carotid arteries (ECA). Moreover, the origin sites of the main anterior branches of the ECA (STA, LA and FA) were assessed in relation to the carotid bifurcation (CB) and with regard to sex and side. Results The STA was found to arise more frequently from the ECA (60%) than from the CCA (40%). Regarding the assessment of the branching patterns of the external carotid artery, the specimens where the STA, LA and FA emerged as individual branches were 90% of cases. The distances from the vessel origin site to the CB were found to be (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 could be vital to prevent iatrogenic injuries.