Clinical Implications of Asymmetrical Femoral Artery Branching Patterns: A Cadaveric Case Study

The femoral artery, a key blood vessel in the lower limb, exhibits various branching pattern variations that are clinically important. A detailed understanding of the anatomical differences related to the origins of the Profunda femoris, medial, and lateral femoral circumflex arteries is vital for healthcare professionals, especially in today's interventional radiology practices.i Observations of variations in the origin and branching patterns of the Profunda femoris artery and its branches have been made during routine cadaver dissections. Developmental disruptions at various stages can lead to anatomical differences in how the femoral artery divides. Familiarity with the variations in the origin and pathway of the Profunda femoris artery and its circumflex branches is critical for many surgical procedures, as it aids in minimizing the risk of complications prior to surgery.ii This study was carried out on a formalin-fixed male cadaver of North Indian descent in the Rachana Sharir Department at the National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur. The focus of this study is on the clinical relevance of the diverse branching patterns of the femoral artery.