A Study on Variations in Termination of Brachial Artery

Abstract

BACKGROUND Variations in arterial system of upper limb is common. Branching pattern of brachial artery and their variations are very important in clinical practice. Surgical procedures in upper limb and cardiac intervention procedures require thorough knowledge of arterial system. It is also important for nephrologists to fix fistula in patients with chronic renal failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study is aimed at enumerating possible variations in termination of brachial artery. The study was done in 44 upper limbs. The length of brachial artery, branches particularly the terminal branches were examined and variations were recorded. There were 6 cases of higher bifurcation of brachial artery. RESULTS Out of 44 specimens studied, 38 showed normal division of brachial artery. Anomalous high division was noted in 6 cases. CONCLUSION Among six cases of high division of brachial artery, one was superficial brachial artery and rest were high origin of radial artery. Embryologic basis of variations are discussed in this study.