An Observational study about the levels of bifurcations in Common Carotid Artery among male & female cadavers

Abstract

Introduction: The carotid arterial system which begins from the common carotid arteries (CCAs) is the main arterial supply of the head and neck. The knowledge of point of bifurcation of CCA is very important in surgeries of head and neck region to prevent vascular accidents, during catheterization of carotid arteries and intra-arterial administration of chemotherapeutic agents. The carotid arteries lying anterolaterally in the neck are the major structures commonly injured in penetrating wounds of the neck Hence this study to evaluate the variations, levels of divisions among both male and female cadavers in Local Medical Teaching Institutes. Methods: This Observational based descriptive study design was conducted to describe the CCA bifurcation. Study was undertaken in 30 adult formalin fixed cadavers The dissections were carried out according to the instructions given in Cunningham’s manual of practical anatomy . The level of bifurcation of common carotid artery was noted and correlated with the upper border of thyroid cartilage. The age of death ranged from 24 to 78 years and all specimens were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution. Result: A total of thirty unclaimed adult cadavers of 3 females and 27 males or 60 specimens (30 cadavers, left and right sides). The height of cadavers ranges from 154 cm – 180 cm.The level of bifurcation of the common carotid artery was at the level of upper border of thyroid cartilage in 78.33%. Only 11.66%) showed the higher level . 10 % showed the lower level of bifurcation in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm below the level of upper border of thyroid cartilage. The bifurcation levels were symmetrical on both sides. Conclusion: The present study finds the incidence of bifurcation of common carotid was more or less constant at the level of upper border of thyroid cartilage. Clinicians / Surgeons need to take the standard and variable heights of the carotid bifurcation into consideration; to avoid unnecessary complications.