Unusual variability in the branching pattern of femoral artery and its radiological and surgical significance

Abstract

The femoral artery is a continuation of external iliac artery below inguinal ligament. The knowledge of variations in the branching pattern of femoral artery is very important for vascular surgeons and intervention radiologists. Variations which involve the femoral, profunda femoris and circumflex femoral arteries are important in vascular reconstructive surgeries, in surgical intervention for embolism, catheterization procedures and in raising myocutaneous graft with pedicle. We report a case of unusual origins of medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries directly from femoral artery. Accurate knowledge of anatomical variations regarding origin of medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries is important in present modern era of interventional radiology.