J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2009 Jan;45(1):32-34. 10.3340/jkns.2009.45.1.32.

An Anatomical Variant : Low-Lying Bifurcation of the Common Carotid Artery, and Its Surgical Implications in Anterior Cervical Discectomy

• Gulsen S
• Caner H
• Altinors N

• KMID: 1466340
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2009.45.1.32

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.

Keyword

Anterior cervical discectomy; Common carotid artery; Low bifurcation

MeSH Terms

Adult
Arteries
Carotid Artery, Common
Carotid Artery, External
Diskectomy
Female
Humans