Abstract :
Background: The Internal carotid artery (ICA) is one of the branches arising from the Common carotid
artery. A study of variability in the origin and course of the cervical part of the ICA is clinically important
for vascular surgeons in performing certain stenting procedures.
Aims: The present study was conducted to study the variations in the origin and course of the cervical part
of the ICA by cadaveric dissection method.
Materials and Methods: A cadaveric study was conducted on fifty, formalin fixed head and neck
specimens in the department of Anatomy, Pushpagiri Institute of medical sciences and research centre,
Tiruvalla, Kerala, India. The pattern of origin, course of the cervical part of ICA were dissected and
variations, if any, were noted.
Results: Internal carotid artery originated from the Common carotid artery in 100% of the specimens. High
origin of the ICA (38%) was the commonest variation in the origin observed with a higher incidence on the
right side. The commonest variations in the cervical part were kinks (32%) with a higher frequency on the
left side and aneurysms (4%) with equal distribution on both sides.
Conclusion: Anomalous origin and course of ICA may damage the vessel while performing certain surgical
procedures like stenting. Thus sound knowledge of the variations in the origin and course of the vessel
is essential for general and vascular surgeons in performing surgical procedures without unnecessary
complications.
Keyword :
Internal carotid artery, Variations, Dissection.