Variations in Surgical Anatomy of Common Carotid Artery: A Cadaveric Study

Introduction: Carotid arterial system constitutes the principal blood supply of head, neck and brain. In various physiological mechanisms and pathological processes, carotid bifurcation is an important site both anatomically and surgically. Selection of surgical techniques between carotid stenting and carotid endarterectomy requires prior knowledge of level of carotid bifurcation. Aim: To observe the origin, level of bifurcation and geometric measurements of common carotid artery and its variations. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was done on 60 formalin embalmed human adult cadavers, of which 47 were male and 13 were female aged between 35-75 years, which were allotted for dissection for first year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students in the Department of Anatomy, Government Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, NRI Medical College, Chinakakani and Dr. Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Chinoutapalli, India, during the academic years December 2013 to March 2018. Observations from both right and left common carotid arteries (total 120 sides) were noted. The data observed was tabulated. Statistics in terms of simple percentages were used. The mean arterial diameter±standard deviation of both right and left common carotid arteries were calculated using the Microsoft office excel sheet. Results: In the present study, total of 120 sides of 60 origin of right common carotid artery was found normal and the origin of left common carotid artery from brachiocephalic trunk was found in 5%. Normal level of bifurcation of common carotid artery was found in 82 (68.33%) sides, high level in 26 (21.66%) sides and low level in 12 (10%) sides. The mean arterial diameter±standard deviation of lumen at the origin of right common carotid artery was 0.887±0.132 cm and left common carotid artery was 0.906±0.128 cm and for both right and left common carotid arteries was 0.896±0.129 cm. Conclusion: Detailed study of surgical anatomy of common carotid artery is important for many surgical, radiological and clinical applications. Knowledge of its variations will help to make alterations in surgical interventions and radiological procedures.