Authors: Simmen, Daniel B.; Raghavan, Ullas; Briner, Hans Rudolf; Manestar, Mirjana; Groscurth, Peter; Jones, Nick S.

Source: American Journal of Rhinology, Volume 20, Number 5, September-October 2006 , pp. 502-505(4)

Publisher: OceanSide Publications, Inc

Abstract:

Background: This study was performed to determine the variations in the branching pattern of the sphenopalatine artery medial to the crista ethmoidalis. Seventy-seven cadaver head sides that had been sectioned sagittally in the midline with their septum removed were used after injecting pink latex to highlight the arterial vessels.

Methods: The mucosa from the middle meatus from the level of the basal lamella was removed until the artery and its branches were seen and then was examined under the microscope to identify the position of the arterial branches.

Results: The sphenopalatine artery and its branches were identified in 75 specimens. Of these 75 specimens, 73 (97%) had 2 or more branches medial to the crista ethmoidalis, 49 (67%) had 3 or more branches, 26 (35%) had 4 or more branches, and 1 specimen had 10 branches. In two specimens the artery presented as a single trunk.

Conclusion: The sphenopalatine artery normally starts to branch lateral to the crista ethmoidalis and these branches vary widely. It is important that the surgeon who undertakes ligation or cautery of the artery is aware of these variations, otherwise they may overlook some of the branches. With an endoscopic approach, removal of the crista ethmoidalis helps visualize these branches.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2500/ajr.2006.20.2928

Publication date: 2006-09-01

More about this publication?

• Now published as American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy, the journal is indexed in Thomson Reuters Web of Science and Science Citation Index, plus the National Library of Medicine's PubMed service.
  
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