Anat Cell Biol.  2018 Sep;51(3):212-214. 10.5115/acb.2018.51.3.212.

A rare double profunda femoris artery in a female cadaver

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Anatomy, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece. gregorytsoucalas@yahoo.gr
  • 2Department of Anatomy, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.

Abstract

The profunda femoris artery (PFA) represents the first and largest branch of the femoral artery in the thigh. A series of anatomical variations are reported, mostly concerning its point of origin and its altered trajectories within the lower limb. We present a rare case of a double PFA, where each separate branch followed the expected arterial pattern. Our case aim to alert surgeons and radiologists for the possibility to encounter an unexpected vascular alternation. Knowledge of topographical anatomy of the PFA and its variations is essential for possible complications after interventional procedures to be avoided.

Keyword

Profunda femoris artery; Lower limb; Branching pattern; Anatomical variations; Vascular anatomy

MeSH Terms

Arteries*
Cadaver*
Female*
Femoral Artery
Humans
Lower Extremity
Surgeons
Thigh

Figure

  • Fig. 1 Double (left) PFA. FA, femoral artery; PFA, profunda femoris artery (1+2); LFCA, lateral femoral circumflex artery (1+2); FV, femoral vein; SFA, superficial femoral artery.

  • Fig. 2 Development of the arteries of the lower limp.


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