An Anatomical Variant : Low-Lying Bifurcation of the Common Carotid Artery, and Its Surgical Implications in Anterior Cervical Discectomy.
10.3340/jkns.2009.45.1.32
- Author:
Salih GULSEN
1
;
Hakan CANER
;
Nur ALTINORS
Author Information
1. Department of Neurosurgery, Baskent University College of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. salihgulsen07@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Anterior cervical discectomy;
Common carotid artery;
Low bifurcation
- MeSH:
Adult;
Arteries;
Carotid Artery, Common;
Carotid Artery, External;
Diskectomy;
Female;
Humans
- From:Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
2009;45(1):32-34
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The common carotid artery generally bifurcates into the internal and external carotid arteries at the level of C3-4. Injury to the common carotid artery during anterior cervical discectomy is a complication that is very much feared but encountered rarely. Knowing the anatomic variations of the common carotid artery and using an operating microscope during the anterior cervical approach for cases with low-lying bifurcation of the common carotid artery would prevent injuries to this artery. We present a 42-year-old female who has successfully undergone anterior cervical discectomy at the level of C5-6 and C6-7. She had a low-lying bifurcation of the common carotid artery.
