Branches and arterial supply of the recurrent artery of Heubner

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the branches and arterial supply of the recurrent artery of Heubner (RAH) in order to provide detailed information to neurosurgeons operating in this area of the brain. A total of 70 human brains (39 male and 31 female) obtained from cadavers (aged 31-75 years) during routine autopsies were examined; brains from individuals who died due to neurological disorders were not included in the study. Immediately after dissection the arteries were perfused with acrylic paint emulsion through the circle of Willis or electively through the RAH. Brains were fixed in a 10 % solution of formaldehyde and sectioned; the sections were analyzed under a stereoscopic light microscope (magnification 2-40×). The RAH was present in 138 hemispheres with a mean of 1.99 per hemisphere. Mean RAH length was 25.2 mm and the mean diameter, in its place of origin, was 1 mm. Between two and 30 (mean 9.4) branches originated from the stem of the RAH. Each branch then divided into 2-40 smaller branches (mean 19). Primary branches were divided and named in accordance with their course and arterial supply. Primary RAH branches include the anterior perforating substance, sylvian fissure, olfactory, frontal, hypothalamic, optic tract and connecting branches. Left and right hemispheres were asymmetrically supplied by RAH branches, but none of these discrepancies were of statistical significance.

Endovascular glue embolization of dissecting aneurysm of type-3 accessory middle cerebral artery: A contralateral approach

“…Extracerebral course ends by terminating at the anterior perforator substance and provides supply to the head of the caudate nucleus, the anterior third of the putamen, the tip of the outer segment of the globus pallidus and the anterior third/antero-inferior portion of the anterior limb of internal capsule. 12 In our patient, the type-3 aMCA (RAH) arose at an acute angle from the right ACA at its junction with ACOM, took a recurrent course that was antero-inferior to the A1-ACA and harbored a fusiform aneurysm at its midsegment along the horizontal course parallel to the M1 segment (Figure 4). Surgical clipping, with or without bypass, is associated with high morbidity and mortality.…”

A comparative study of vascular injection fluids in fresh‐frozen and embalmed human cadaver forearms

“…In contrast, Maga et al. () reported no hardening or leakage problems with acrylic paint emulsion (Liqutiex R; Binney and Smith, Crayola LLC, Northampton County, PA, USA) in brains, stored in a 10% formaldehyde solution for 2 weeks, followed by sectioning in slices of 1–4 mm. In addition, Hupkens et al.…”

“…In the current study, acrylic paint was the only injection fluid that did not cure, so that the acrylic paint leaked into the surrounding tissues in the case of damaged vessel walls during dissection. In contrast, Maga et al (2013) reported no hardening or leakage problems with acrylic paint emulsion (Liqutiex R; Binney and Smith, Crayola LLC, Northampton County, PA, USA) in brains, stored in a 10% formaldehyde solution for 2 weeks, followed by sectioning in slices of 1-4 mm. In addition, Hupkens et al (2010Hupkens et al ( , 2013 described a way to harden acrylic paint by leaving the limb in dry air for 1 day, followed by freezing for the next 2 days and thawing it for 1 or 2 days.…”

Circle of Willis of the brain: anatomical variations and their importance

“…We believe that the article would have benefited by the inclusion of a reference to the Polish cadaver study of Maga et al (2013) in which the authors measured the Heubner artery of the brain. An important aspect of this study is the detailed description of just how the brains were dissected.…”