Variations in Origin of Vertebral Artery and its Clinical Significance

Objectives: Surgeons must have a solid understanding of anatomy, as well as knowledge of variations. The anatomic and morphologic variations of great vessels are significant for diagnostic and surgical procedures in the neck and thorax region.

The vertebral artery is a branch of the subclavian artery that arises from the first part of the subclavian artery on both sides. The origin of the vertebral artery has been reported in the literature in a variety of ways, the most common being directly from the arch of the aorta, as a branch of the thyrocervical trunk, or as a branch of the common carotid or external carotid artery.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 30 formalin-fixed cadavers obtained from Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College to note variations in the origin of the vertebral artery.

Results: The origin of the right vertebral artery was consistent in all cases, whereas the origin of the left vertebral artery varied.

Conclusions: Individuals with abnormal vertebral artery origins may be predisposed to cerebrovascular disorders.