Biomedical Research

Aortic arch (AA) is a prolongation of aorta ascendens and forms a part of mediastenum superius. It begins right above the joint of sternum and the second rib at the posterior right half of manubrium sterni. Presently, aorta has been pointed out not only to perform the duty of a canal but in fact has been shown to have a significant role in regulating left ventricular function and myocardial perfusion. To be well aware of the arterial patterns of this area is of significant importance in situations that require urgent interventions and cardio-thoracic surgery. The objective of this study was to determine the various different AA branching patterns belonging to Turkish population. We are convinced that the results obtained will be of significant importance to anatomists, chest surgeons and radiologists attempting cardio-vascular intervention. This study was done on 94 patients (32 females 64 males) who had applied to the Radio-diagnostic Department for computerised tomography (CT) angiography, during 2010-2011 at Mevlana University Medical Hospital. In our study, seven different branching patterns belonging to AA were observed. AA was found to give out minimum of two and maximum of five branches. Being aware of this variations and its determination prior to medical intervention would be of vital importance in relation to treatment process of the patient. Therefore we believe that the results obtained in our study will be of particular importance to anatomists, cardio-vascular surgeons, chest surgeons and radiologists carrying out vascular intervention applications.

Author(s): Musa Acar, Mahinur Ulusoy, Ismail Zararsiz, Duran Efe
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