ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS OF ORIGIN OF DEEP FEMORAL ARTERY ININDIAN POPULATION

Abstract

The variations of the profunda and its branches are numerous, and to a considerable extent, largely associatedwith one another. In occlusion of the superficial femoralartery, the profunda femoris artery forms an effective collateralbed between the ileo-femoral segment and the popliteal arteryand its branches. The Deep Femoral artery [profunda femoris artery (PFA)] is the largest branch of the
Femoral artery; its ramification is usually seen 30-35 mm below the mid-point of the inguinal ligament. Its orientation is important to minimize iatrogenic complications.Dissections of 30 femoral triangles in 15 embalmed human cadavers revealed interesting data in the origin and course of the PFA femoris artery. The site of origin of the PFA was most commonly located midway between the
inguinal ligament and the apex of the femoral triangle.Awareness of the origin and distances of the profunda femoris artery will allow the surgeon and intensivists to define the vascular pattern of lower limb before performing any invasive procedure and to avoid unexpected iatrogenic injuries.