Anatomical Variations Of Aortic Arch Branching Pattern Among The Chinese

From the arch of aorta (AA) arise most commonly three branches known from right to left as follows: (i) the brachiocephalic trunk (BT), (ii) the left common carotid artery (LCA), (iii) the left subclavian artery (LSA) as reported most workers. This pattern occurs in 65-80% of the cases [5, 20]. The final configuration of the AA and its branches is probably related to the associated “migration” and “merging” of the branches, together with the different growth rates in the various arteries [15]. Nevertheless, the aortic arch is a challenging site for endovascular repair [8]. Anomalies of AA are also associated with chromosome 22q11 deletion [21]. Different variations concerning the origin and number of the branching pattern of the AA of its major branches were considered as normal variants [8]. The anatomic and morphologic variations of the AA and its branches are significant for diagnostic and surgical procedures in the thorax and neck [16]. With advances in technology, a patient could be operated either for a graft, a total arch replacement, a bypass or survive under stenosis of the AA (or of any of its branches). But techniques remain costly or not easily performed. Some abnormalities are discovered after operation [17], some stay unknown to the subjects due to financial problems or some, until studied on cadavers without a known history in the cause of death. Internal cerebrovascular injury still stays a cause of death and tough to be managed. Despite unpredictable complications, the use of