The posterior thalamoperforating artery (the main perforating trunk from P1) microsurgical study

Abstract

Thirty fresh human brains were studied regarding to the anatomy of the posterior thalamoperforating arteries (PThPA): origin, number, diameter, traject, distance from the basilar artery bifurcation, type of distribution and correspondent area of vascularization. Most of the PThPAs originated proximally in the posterior cerebral artery (PCA), irrigating the cerebral, peduncles, mammilary bodies, ventral portion of midbrain and, through the posterior perforated substance, the medial portion of thalamus. The mean number of PThPAs per hemisphere was 1.51, mean proximal diameter 0.60 mm and mean distance from PCA origin 2.47 mm. A deep knowledge of the microsurgical anatomy of PThPAs is stressed, as devastating lesions can develop after arterial compromise during neurosurgical procedures.