Anatomical relationship between the brachiocephalic trunk and the trachea and the clinical implications / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the anatomical features and relative position of the brachiocephalic trunk and the trachea to provide an anatomical basis for diagnosis and treatment of mechanical airway obstruction and for facilitating the performance of tracheotomy.@*METHODS@#A total of 91 formalin- fixed adult cadavers (70 male and 21 female) were used in this study. The whole length of the larynx and the trachea were separated and exposed from the neck to the chest, followed by separation of the aortic arch and its 3 branches to observe the anatomical position of the brachiocephalic trunk and the trachea.@*RESULTS@#The brachiocephalic trunk and the trachea did not intersect in 3.30%, partially intersected in 71.43%, and completely intersected in 25.27% of the 91 cadaveric specimens. The male specimens all showed greater outer diameter of the aortic arch, the brachiocephalic trunk and the trachea with a greater length of the trachea than the female specimens (P < 0.05), while the distances from the aortic arch to the brachiocephalic trunk or the cricoid cartilage did not differ significantly between them (P > 0.05). The number of the tracheal cartilage rings above the brachiocephalic trunk ranged from 3 to 10, and the mean number did not differ significantly between the male and female specimens (P > 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The brachiocephalic trunk has complex anatomical relationship with the trachea, and caution should be taken to avoid injuries of the brachiocephalic trunk and the aortic arch in the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical respiratory obstruction and during tracheotomy.

Innominate Artery Cannulation for Proximal Aortic Surgery

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of innominate artery cannulation strategy with side-graft technique in proximal aortic pathologies. Methods: A total of 70 patients underwent innominate artery cannulation with a side graft for surgery on the proximal aorta from 2012 to 2020. There were 46 men and 24 women with an average age of 56±13 years. The indications for surgery were type A aortic dissection in 17 patients (24.3%), aortic aneurysm in 52 patients (74.3%), and ascending aorta pseudoaneurysm in one patient (1.4%). The innominate artery was free of disease in all patients. Hypothermic circulatory arrest with antegrade cerebral perfusion was utilized in 60 patients (85.7%). Three patients had previous sternotomy (4.2%). The most common surgical procedure was ascending aorta with hemiarch replacement in 34 patients (48.5%). Results: The mean cardiac ischemia and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 116+46 minutes and 164+56 minutes, respectively. Mean antegrade cerebral perfusion time was 27+14 minutes. The patients were cooled between 22°C and 30°C during surgery. Thirty-day mortality rate was 7.1% (five patients). One patient (1.4%) had stroke, one patient (1.4%) had temporary neurologic deficit, and eight patients (11.4%) had confusion and agitation that resolved completely in all cases. There was no local complication or arterial injury. Conclusion: Cannulation of the innominate artery with side graft is safe and effective for both cardiopulmonary bypass and antegrade cerebral perfusion. This technique provides satisfactory neurologic outcomes for proximal aortic surgery.

Post-tracheostomy tracheoinnominate fistula: endovascular treatment / Fístula traqueoinominada pós-traqueostomia: tratamento endovascular

ABSTRACT Objective: Tracheoinnominate fistula (TIF) is a rare and frequently lethal complication of tracheostomies. Immediate bleeding control and surgical treatment are essential to avoid death. This report describes the successful endovascular treatment of TIF in a preschooler and reviews the literature concerning epidemiology, diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment of TIF in pediatric patients. Case description: A tracheostomized neurologically impaired bed-ridden three-year-old girl was admitted to treat an episode of tracheitis. Tracheostomy had been performed two years before. The child used a plastic cuffed tube continually inflated at low pressure. The patient presented two self-limited bleeding episodes through the tracheostomy in a 48h interval. A new episode was suggestive of arterial bleeding, immediately leading to a provisional diagnosis of TIF, which was confirmed by angiotomography, affecting the bifurcation of the innominate artery and the right tracheal wall. The patient was immediately treated by the endovascular placement of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/nitinol stents in Y configuration. No recurrent TIF, neurological problems, or right arm ischemia have been detected in the follow-up. Comments: TIF must be suspected after any significant bleeding from the tracheostoma. Endovascular techniques may provide rapid bleeding control with low morbidity, but they are limited to a few case reports in pediatric patients, all of them addressing adolescents. Long-term follow-up is needed to detect whether stent-related vascular complications will occur with growth.

RESUMO Objetivo: As fístulas traqueoinominadas (TIF) são complicações raras e frequentemente letais das traqueostomias (TQT). Controle imediato do sangramento e tratamento cirúrgico são essenciais para evitar a morte. Este trabalho relata o tratamento endovascular bem-sucedido de uma TIF em um pré-escolar e revisa a literatura a respeito da epidemiologia, profilaxia, diagnóstico e tratamento de TIF em pacientes pediátricos. Descrição do caso: Uma criança de 3 anos de idade, com encefalopatia, restrita ao leito e traqueostomizada havia dois anos foi internada para tratar um episódio de traqueíte. A criança usava uma cânula plástica balonada continuamente inflada com baixa pressão. A paciente apresentou dois episódios autolimitados de sangramento pela traqueostomia em um intervalo de 48 horas. Um novo episódio foi sugestivo de sangramento arterial e assumiu-se o diagnóstico provisório de TIF, confirmado através de angiotomografia, atingindo a bifurcação da artéria inominada e a parede direita da traqueia. A paciente foi imediatamente tratada pela inserção endovascular de um enxerto de politetrafluoroetileno (PTFE)/nitinol em "Y". No seguimento, não foram encontradas recorrência de TIF, sequelas neurológicas ou isquemia do braço direito. Comentários: Deve-se suspeitar de TIF sempre que houver um sangramento significativo pelo traqueoestoma. Técnicas endovasculares possibilitam o rápido controle do sangramento com baixa morbidade, mas estão limitadas a poucos relatos de caso e pacientes pediátricos, sendo todos em adolescentes. O seguimento a longo prazo é necessário para avaliar se ocorrem complicações vasculares dos stents com o crescimento.

Surgical treatment of pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta in a patient with sepsis

Abstract Pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta (PAA) is a hazardous and potentially fatal cardiovascular disease. This condition is caused by the rupture of at least one layer of the vessel and contained by the remaining vascular layers or the surrounding mediastinal structures. We presented the surgical treatment of a patient with sepsis and large PAA and brachiocephalic trunk, which was compressing the brachiocephalic trunk leading to syncope.

Inversão total do fluxo em artéria carótida interna direita em paciente com estenose grave do tronco braquiocefálico / Total reversal of internal carotid blood flow in a patient with severe stenosis of the brachiocephalic trunk

RESUMO As estenoses graves e oclusões do tronco braquiocefálico (artéria inominada) são raras, e apresentam uma grande variedade de manifestações clínicas, com alterações relacionadas a isquemia cerebral hemisférica, vertebrobasilar e de membro superior direito. A causa mais comum é a aterosclerose. A ultrassonografia vascular com Doppler pode revelar inversão de fluxo na artéria vertebral direita, hipofluxo na subclávia, e vários tipos de alterações no fluxo da carótida direita, incluindo hipofluxo, inversão parcial do fluxo durante o ciclo cardíaco, e até mesmo inversão completa do fluxo na carótida interna, achado este bastante raro. Os autores descrevem o caso de paciente do sexo feminino, tabagista, com estenose grave do tronco braquiocefálico e crises de lipotimia. Além do roubo de artéria subclávia e do fluxo parcialmente invertido na carótida comum direita, a paciente apresentava exuberante fluxo invertido na carótida interna durante todo o ciclo cardíaco, achado este não encontrado na literatura em tamanha magnitude.

ABSTRACT Occlusions and severe stenoses of the innominate artery (brachiocephalic trunk) are rare and present with a wide variety of clinical manifestations, with hemispheric, vertebrobasilar and right upper limb ischemic symptoms. The most common cause is atherosclerosis. Duplex scanning may show right vertebral artery flow reversal, diminished subclavian flow, and several patterns of right carotid flow disturbance, including slow flow, partial flow reversal during the cardiac cycle and even complete reversal of flow in the internal carotid artery, which is a very uncommon finding. Herein, the authors describe the case of a female patient who was a heavy smoker, had severe stenosis of the brachiocephalic trunk, and had episodes of collapse. Besides the subclavian steal and partial flow reversal in the common carotid artery, duplex scanning also showed high-velocity reversed flow in the internal carotid artery during the entire cardiac cycle, a finding that is not reported in the literature at this magnitude.

A rare cause of wheezing in a child with pulmonary atresia

The determination of the exact cause for symptomatic airway obstruction in pediatric patients not responding to medication can be a clinical dilemma. Very rarely external vascular compressions can produce airway obstruction symptoms unresponsive to usual bronchodilator medications. The successful management of a child with pulmonary atresia and an innominate artery compression syndrome with respiratory compromise due to tracheal compression is described.

Right and left common carotid arteries arising from the branchiocephalic, a rare variation of the aortic arch / 대한해부학회지

The aortic arch may present a plethora of anatomical variations, which my cause a cluster of complications in interventional procedures in surgery and angiography. We present a rare case of a common origin of both the common carotids arteries from the brachiocephalic trunk (anonymous artery), with the left common carotid artery emerging from the initial portion of it, forming a small common trunk. The great importance towards an excellent knowledge of the topographical aortic arch anatomy is stressed out.

Tracheal compression by aberrant brachiocephalic trunk accompanying variant origin of the vertebral artery / Compresión traqueal por un tronco braquiocefálico aberrante acompañado de una variación en el origen de la arteria vertebral

The aorta is the main arterial trunk in the human body, however, its variation was extremely variable. During an educational dissection, aberrant branching pattern of aortic arch was found in a Korean cadaver. The brachiocephalic trunk (innominate artery) originated from the aortic arch at the left side of the trachea. It crossed the trachea and divided into the right common carotid and subclavian arteries. The left vertebral artery originated from the aortic arch between the origins of the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery, then the left vertebral artery coursed upward to the transverse foramen of the C7. The author describes this previously novel case report with aberrant brachiocephalic trunk and left vertebral arteries and discusses the clinical implications of such a variant.

La aorta es el tronco arterial principal del cuerpo humano, sin embargo, su variación es extremadamente variable. Durante una disección de rutina de un cadáver coreano, se encontró un patrón de ramificación aberrante del arco aórtico. El tronco braquiocefálico se originaba del arco aórtico en el lado izquierdo de la tráquea. Cruzaba la tráquea y se dividía en las arterias carótida común y subclavia derecha. La arteria vertebral izquierda se originó a partir del arco aórtico entre los orígenes de la arteria carótida común izquierda y la arteria subclavia izquierda, luego la arteria vertebral izquierda ascendió hacia el foramen transversal de la séptima vértebra cervical. Se describe un caso de tronco braquiocefálico aberrante y la correspondiente arteria vertebral izquierda y se discuten las implicaciones clínicas de tal variante.

Tratamento endovascular de aneurisma de tronco braquiocefálico em paciente com síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos tipo IV / Endovascular treatment of an aneurysm of the brachiocephalic trunk in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV

Resumo A síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos é uma doença genética que acarreta alteração na síntese de colágeno, causando extrema fragilidade do tecido conjuntivo. Tal fragilidade predispõe a uma série de doenças vasculares, como dissecções, aneurismas e pseudoaneurismas. Os autores relatam o histórico de um indivíduo de 19 anos com aneurisma de tronco braquiocefálico que foi submetido ao tratamento endovascular com implante de stents revestidos. O caso evoluiu com complicação do sítio de punção, que também foi tratada em caráter de emergência pela técnica endovascular com o implante de stent revestido.

Abstract Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a genetic disease that results in abnormalities of collagen synthesis, causing extremely fragile connective tissue. This fragility predisposes patients to a series of vascular disorders, such as dissections, aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms. The authors describe the case of a 19-year-old patient with an aneurysm of the brachiocephalic trunk who was treated endovascularly by placement of covered stents. The case progressed with complications at the puncture site, which was also treated on an emergency basis, using endovascular techniques with a covered stent.

The arteries root from the aortic arch in the sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus, Falconiformes: Accipitridae) / La raíz de las arterias desde el arco aórtico en el gavilán (Accipiter nisus, Falconiformes: Accipitridae)

This study was aimed at determining the morphology of the aortic arch in the sparrowhawk. For this purpose, arteries near the heart of six sparrowhawks were assessed. Latex injection method was applied to the three materials and barium sulphate solution was injected into the aorta for angiography in three other materials. It was observed that two major arteries arose from aortic arch in the sparrowhawk: the left brachiocephalic trunk and the right brachiocephalic trunk. These trunks were contiguous arteries but separately originated from the aorta. The brachiocephalic trunks were divided into the common carotid and subclavian arteries after their origins. First, the common carotid arteries are given off by the brachiocephalic trunks. The common carotid artery was giving off esophagotracheobronchial artery and vertebral trunk. Vertebral trunk was locating under the brachial plexus. The subclavian artery was continuations of the brachiocephalic trunk and it was bifurcating to the axillar artery and the pectoral trunk just from its own beginning. The axillary artery passed the brachial plexus crosswise from above, and reached to the wing. The sternoclavicular artery stemmed from ventral aspect of the begining of the axillary artery. The thickest branch of the subclavian artery was the pectoral trunk, which was branched the cranial external thoracic artery, the caudal external thoracic artery, the dorsal thoracic artery, and the internal thoracic artery. It is hoped that the results of this morphological study will contribute to the species specific anatomical data in the birds.

El objetivo fue determinar la morfología del arco aórtico en el gavilán. Para este fin, se evaluaron las arterias próximas al corazón de seis gavilanes. En tres aves se inyectó una solución de látex, mientras que en las tres restantes se inyectó a través de la aorta sulfato de bario para someterlas luego a un estudio por angiografía. Se observó el origen de dos arterias principales del arco aórtico del gavilán: el tronco braquiocefálico izquierdo y el tronco braquiocefálico derecho. Estos troncos se presentaron como arterias contiguas, pero que se originaron por separado de la aorta. Los troncos supraaórticos se dividieron después de su origen en las arterias carótida común y subclavia. Las arterias carótidas comunes se emiten a partir de los troncos supraaórticos. La arteria carótida común emitió una arteria esófago-traqueobronquial y el tronco vertebral. El tronco vertebral se localizó por debajo del plexo braquial. La arteria subclavia se continuó a partir del tronco braquiocefálico y se bifurcó en arteria axilar y tronco de las arterias pectorales justo desde su propio inicio. La arteria axilar cruzó el plexo braquial transversalmente desde arriba, y llegó al ala. La arteria esternoclavicular derivó de la cara ventral del inicio de la arteria axilar. La rama más gruesa de la arteria subclavia fue el tronco de las arterias pectorales, que se ramificó en arteria torácica externa craneal, arteria torácica externa caudal, arteria torácica dorsal, y la arteria torácica interna. Se espera que los resultados de este estudio morfológico sean una contribución para aportar datos anatómicos específicos en esta especie de aves.

Ramos colaterais do Arco aórtico do preá (Galea spixii Wagler, 1831) / Collateral branches of the aortic arch of galea (Galea spixii Wagler, 1831)

O preá é um roedor típico da caatinga pertencente à família Caviidae. Considerando a inexistência de dados sobre o arco aórtico do preá, foi realizado este estudo tendo como objetivo descrever os ramos colaterais do arco aórtico neste cavídeo, e dessa forma, contribuir com dados para biologia da espécie. Foram utilizados vinte preás machos provenientes de estudos anteriores e encontravam-se armazenados em freezer no Centro de Multiplicação de Animais Silvestres (CEMAS/UFERSA). Os animais foram descongelados, a cavidade torácica foi aberta, a aorta canulada e o sistema vascular lavado com solução salina e em seguida, injetado látex Neoprene corado com pigmento vermelho, amarelo ou branco. Posteriormente, os animais foram fixados em formol e depois de 72 horas, dissecados e analisados, sendo obtidos desenhos esquemáticos e os exemplares mais representativos fotografados. O arco aórtico do preá emitiu como ramos colaterais, o tronco braquiocefálico e a artéria subclávia esquerda. O tronco braquiocefálico originou na maioria das peças estudadas, a artéria carótida comum esquerda e o tronco braquiocarotídeo, do qual surgem as artérias subclávia direita e carótida comum direita. As artérias subclávias direita e esquerda em todos os animais estudados emitiram a artéria vertebral, a artéria torácica interna, a artéria cervical superficial, o tronco costocervical e a artéria axilar. O padrão da formação do arco aórtico do preá assemelhou-se ao observado em outros roedores, tais como no mocó, no porquinho-da-índia e na chinchila...

Galea spixii is a typical rodent of the caatinga belonging to the Caviidae family. Considering the lack of data on the aortic arch of the galea, this study aimed to describe the collateral branches of the aortic arch in this specie and to contributes to knowledge of its biology. Twenty males from previous studies were used which had been stored in a freezer at Multiplication Center of Wild Animals (CEMAS/UFERSA). The animals were thawed, the thoracic cavity was opened and the aorta cannulated vasculature was washed with saline and then injected with Neoprene latex colored with red pigment, yellow or white. Subsequently, the animals were fixed in formalin and after 72 hours dissected and analyzed, to obtain schematic drawings and the most representative samples were photographed. The cavy aortic arch issued as collateral branches, the brachiocephalic trunk and the left subclavian artery. The brachiocephalic trunk afforded in most of the specimens the left common carotid artery and the brachiocarotid trunk, where the right subclavian and right common carotid arteries arise. The right and left subclavian arteries in all animals studied issued the vertebral artery, internal thoracic artery, superficial cervical artery costocervical trunk and axillary artery. The pattern of formation of the aortic arch of galea was similar to that observed in other rodents, such as the kerodon, the guinea pig and chinchilla....

Morphometric Study of Arch of Aorta and Its Branches.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to understand the anatomical characteristics of arch of aorta and orientations of its major branches. Materials and methods: 60 male cadavers were dissected for arch of aorta and its branches namely brachiocephalic truck, left common carotid and left subclavian arteries. Height of arch of aorta was measured from upper surface of body of sternum. Distances of site of origin of brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery were measured from the mid-vertebral line. Angles formed between arch of aorta and its major branches were measured. Inner diameter of the arch of aorta was measured at its commencement and termination. Inner diameters of the three major branches were also measured at their respective origins. The data so obtained was statistically analysed for range, mean and standard deviation. Results:Mean height of summit of arch of aorta fromsternal angle was 39.98 ± 10.05mm (range 23 to 66mm). Origin of brachiocephalic trunk deviated by an average of 1.6 ± 7.53 mm on right side, left common carotid artery origin deviated by an average of 10.28 ± 8.69 mm on left side and left subclavian artery origin deviated by an average of 20.65 ± 9.65mm on left side frommid-vertebral line. Average angles formed by brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery with the arch of aorta were 94.79 ± 17.77 degree, 82.44 ± 14.95 degree and 99.71 ± 13.68 degree respectively. Average inner diameter of arch of aorta at its commencement was 20.02 ± 3.26 mm and at termination was 15.88 ± 2.53 mm. Average inner diameters of brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery were 9.43 ± 2.17 mm, 6.4 ± 1.22 mm and 7.62 ± 1.76 mm respectively. Conclusion: Knowledge of morphometry of arch of aorta and its major branches shall be helpful for surgeons for performing safe and effective endovascular surgeries.

Stenosis or Occlusion of the Right Subclavian and Common Carotid Arteries Is More Common than That of the Innominate Artery in Takayasu Arteritis

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to introduce the phenomenon that stenosis or occlusion occurs less frequently in the innominate artery than in the right subclavian and common carotid arteries, which are not first-order branches of the aorta, in Takayasu arteritis (TA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and image findings of all patients who were diagnosed with TA from 2006 to 2014. Two vascular surgeons and two radiologists interpreted the images by disease character, location, and extent of occlusion based on computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, or digital subtraction arteriography. We have also reviewed the literature on arterial involvement in TA. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients were diagnosed with TA. The mean age was 43.9 years, and 83.3% (35/42) of the patients were women. The left subclavian artery was the most common stenosis or occlusion site (17, 40.5%) among the aortic branches. The innominate artery was a less common site (3, 7.1%) than the right subclavian artery (4, 9.5%) and the right common carotid artery (9, 21.4%). All innominate artery cases were found after endovascular procedures of the right subclavian or common carotid arteries. CONCLUSION: The innominate artery might develop stenosis or occlusion less frequently than the right subclavian and common carotid arteries in Korean TA patients.

Brachiocephalic Trunk and Left Common Carotid Artery Arising from Aortic Arch as a Single Trunk.

Branches of aortic arch usually are brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery from right to left direction. Arch of aorta show more variations in branching patterns. One among which is origin of only two branches in which brachiocephalic trunk and left common carotid artery arise together as a common trunk and other branch is left subclavian artery. The variations occur due to abnormal development of arch of aorta. During routine dissection of superior mediastinum of thoracic region, we have found the left common carotid artery and brachiocephalic trunk was arising from the arch of aorta as a common trunk. These kinds of variations are very rare and knowledge of which is very important for neck surgeons, cardiologists and interventional radiologists while doing surgeries and instrumentation procedures.

Left Common Carotid Artery Arising From Brachiocephalic Trunk.

Arch of aorta branches into three – the Brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery. The variations in the branching pattern of arch of aorta are usually incidental findings during surgeries and imaging studies and are important in aortic instrumentaion and head and neck surgeries. In the present case report the left common carotid artery originating from the brachiocephalic trunk and its significance is discussed.

Lesión transfixiante de tronco arterial braquiocefálico por traumatismo torácico penetrante / Brachiocephalic trunk perforating injury by penetrating thoracic trauma

Las lesiones del tronco arterial braquiocefálico (TABC) son infrecuentes y se han descrito en el contexto de traumatismos penetrantes o contusos de la región torácica y cervical. Son características su elevada morbimortalidad y dificultad diagnóstica. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: Paciente de género masculino, de 19 años, consultó en Servicio de Urgencia por heridas torácicas tras ser agredido por terceros con arma blanca. Ingresó sin deterioro hemodinámico encontrándose en examen físico una herida en la región esterno clavicular derecha y una herida en hemitórax izquierdo dorsal. Se realizó radiografía de tórax que mostró ensanchamiento mediastínico y hemotórax izquierdo mínimo. Por sospecha de lesión vascular se complementó estudio con angiotomografía computada de tórax que mostró doble extravasación del medio de contraste a nivel del TABC, compatible con lesión transfixiante, además de hemomediastino y hemotórax izquierdo mínimo, sin evidencias de lesión de vía aérea o esofágica. Se realizó pleurotomía para tratamiento del hemotórax. Evolucionó en buenas condiciones generales, sin deterioro hemodinámico, porlo que se decidió resolución endovascular por el equipo de Cirugía Vascular Periférica, realizándose instalación de endoprótesis recubierta en TABC, sin incidentes. No presentó complicaciones postoperatorias. Se realizó Angiotomografía de control con endoprótesis in situ. A 9 meses de seguimiento, el paciente está asintomático. DISCUSIÓN: Las lesiones del TABC son graves. El ensanchamiento mediastínico en la radiografía de tórax debe hacer sospechar lesión de grandes vasos y/o troncos supraaórticos, la que se confirma mediante estudio angiográfico en un paciente estable o en la exploración quirúrgica de urgencia, si presenta deterioro hemodinámico...

Brachiocephalic trunk lesions are rare and have been described in the context of penetrating or blunt thoracic and cervical trauma. They have a high morbidity and its diagnostic is difficult. CASE PRESENTATION: A 19 years oldman, presented in emergency room with chest injuries after being attacked with a knife. He entered without hemodynamic deterioration. In physical examination a wound in the right sternoclavicular region and a dorsal wound in the left hemithorax were found. Chest x-ray showed widened mediastinum and minimum left hemothorax. For suspected vascular injury, a chest computed angiotomography was performed, that revealed double extravasation of contrast medium at brachiocephalic trunk, consistent with a perforating injury, hemomediastinum and minimum left hemothorax. It showed no evidence of airway oresophageal injuries. Pleurotomy was performed for hemothorax treatment. He evolved in good general condition, without hemodynamic deterioration. Endovascular resolution was decided by Vascular Surgery team. A coated stent in the brachiocephalic trunk was installed without incidents. No postoperative complications were presented. The control angiotomography showed stent in situ. At 9 -month follow-up, the patient is asymptomatic. DISCUSSION: Brachiocephalic trunk injuries are serious. A injury of great vessels and/or supraaortic trunks should be suspected with a image of widened mediastinum on chest x ray, and it is confirmed by angiography in a stable patient or by emergency surgical exploration, if hemodynamic deterioration is present...

A study of the branching pattern of aortic arch.

The purpose of the present study is the description of the aortic arch branches variation in order to offer useful data to anatomists, radiologists, vascular, neck and thorax surgeons. Methods: A total 46 Indian adult cadavers were used. The authors investigated anatomical variation of the aortic arch and its major branches. Results : The three major branches directly originate from the aortic arch in 38 (82.6 %) ; the 3 ( 6.5%) remaining aortic arch showed only two branches and 5 (10.9 %) aortic arch showed the direct arch origin of left vertebral artery. Interpretation & conclusion: Despite the fact that the variations in question are usually asymptomatic, they may cause dyspnoea, dysphasia, intermittent claudication, misinterpretation of radiology examinations and complications during neck and thorax surgery. This study would provide an anatomical basis to assist surgeons in performing safe vascular surgery involving the aortic arch and its branches.

Variant Origin of the Left Vertebral Artery from a Vertebro-Subclavian Trunk Associated with an Unusual Branch Arising from the Brachiocephalic Trunk

Variant origin of the left vertebral artery (LVA) from the arch of aorta is well documented in the literature. Involvement of complex sequential developmental steps in the aortic arch formation results in different patterns of origin of LVA. Morphological variations in the LVA are thought to alter the cerebral hemodynamics and can cause the cerebral dysfunction. Knowledge of the morphological variations of the LVA is useful while performing the head and neck and thoracic surgeries. We here report one of the extremely rare patterns of the LVA origin, in a male cadaver aged about 65 years. LVA and left subclavian artery (LSA) arose as a common vertebro-subclavian trunk from the convexity of the aortic arch. Further, brachiocephalic trunk (BT) gave an unusual artery from its anterior surface. This artery divided into thymic and tracheal branches. Variant origin of thymic branch may be crucial during imaging and thymectomy procedures.

Cerebral Embolism from Brachiocephalic Artery Thrombosis:A Case Report / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of cerebral embolism from brachiocephalic artery thrombosis. Methods A case was reviewed with literature. Results Acute multiple cerebral infarctions were found in both right anterior and posterior circulation. Arterial floating thrombi with cyclic motion relating to cardiac cycles was found with transthoracic Doppler ultrasonog-raphy. Anticoagulation therapy played the major role in treatment. Conclusion Transthoracic Doppler ultrasonography is recommended in the suspicion of patients with typical clinical presentations in order to investigate the vascular conditions in the brachiocephllic trunk, and an-ticoagulation therapy should be initiated immediately after the thrombi have been detected.

Cerebral Embolism from Brachiocephalic Artery Thrombosis: A Case Report / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of cerebral embolism from brachiocephalic artery thrombosis. Methods A case was reviewed with literature. Results Acute multiple cerebral infarctions were found in both right anterior and posterior circulation. Arterial floating thrombi with cyclic motion relating to cardiac cycles was found with transthoracic Doppler ultrasonography.Anticoagulation therapy played the major role in treatment. Conclusion Transthoracic Doppler ultrasonography is recommended in the suspicion of patients with typical clinical presentations in order to investigate the vascular conditions in the brachiocephllic trunk, and anticoagulation therapy should be initiated immediately after the thrombi have been detected.