Three-Dimensional Arterial Distribution Over the Midline of the Nasal Bone

Background A comprehensive understanding of arterial variations around the midline of the nose is of great importance for the safety of filler injection. Objectives The aim of the study was to clearly define the 3D location of the arteries along the midline of the nasal bone. Methods The arterial structures overlapping the nasal bone along the midline were observed in seventy-nine cadavers. Results The present study found that 0~3 named arteries per nose segment could be identified. All of the arterial structures were located in or above the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer overlapping the nasal bone. The probability of encountering named arteries at five defined points, P1-P5, was 5/79 (6.3%), 4/79 (5.1%), 1/79 (1.3%), 6/79 (7.6%) and 9/79 (11.4%), respectively. The depth of the main arterial trunk was 1.2 ± 0.4 mm, 1.6 ± 0.6 mm, 1.8 ± 0 mm, 1.0 ± 0.4 mm, 0.9 ± 0.5 mm below the skin at P1-P5, respectively. Conclusions We confirmed that sub-SMAS injection along the midline through a needle is anatomically reliable and that a technique with one entry point through the rhinion via a cannula can easily keep the needle sufficiently deep for safe nasal filler injection.

A Case of Multiple Posterior Intercostal Artery Common Trunks in Conjunction with Additional Arterial Variations

Several thoracic vasculature variations were observed in an 81-year-old male cadaver during routine dissection. These included 5 common trunks of posterior intercostal arteries, a descending branch of the right vertebral artery, and atypical neurovascular relationships within intercostal spaces. On the right side, two common trunks of posterior intercostal arteries were observed supplying the 4th-7th intercostal spaces and 9th-11th intercostal spaces, respectively. There was also a small accessary branch supplying the 9th intercostal space. The first three posterior intercostal spaces on the right were supplied by a descending branch of the vertebral artery. On the left side, three common trunks of posterior intercostal arteries were encountered, supplying intercostal spaces 3-5, 6-7, and 11 plus the subcostal space. An atypical neurovascular relationship was observed in the right 6th intercostal space, as well as the left 2nd, 3rd, and 6th intercostal spaces. This is the first case report that presents 5 common trunks of posterior intercostal arteries, as well as common trunks in conjunction with other arterial variation in the posterior thoracic wall. These variations carry a high level of clinical significance and may be helpful in guiding decision-making related to surgical procedures related to the posterior thoracic cavity and spine.

Facial Arterial Variations in Asians: A Study on Computed Tomographic Angiography

Background A consensus on facial artery (FA) anatomy has not been established due to the discrepancies in previous studies. Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the branches, course, and location of the FA in Asians utilizing computed tomographic angiography (CTA). Methods The CTA images of 300 FAs from 150 Asian patients were evaluated. According to the termination branch, the FA was classified as follows: type 1, FA terminates superior labial or inferior labial artery; type 2: FA terminates lateral nasal or inferior alar artery; type 3: FA terminates medial canthal artery; type 4: FA is divided into duplex branches with dominant medial canthal artery laterally. The relationship between nasolabial fold and FA was evaluated, and the distances from anatomical landmarks to FA were measured to position the course. Results 70 arteries (23.3%), 163 arteries (54.3%), 49 arteries (16.3%), and the other 18 arteries (6.0%) were classified as type 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. 72.3% of FAs were located medially to the nasolabial fold, and only 14.7% of arteries were lateral to the nasolabial fold. The vertical distance between FA and the inner canthus or the midpoint of inferior orbital rim decreased from type 1 to type 4 FA (P < 0.0001). No significant difference was found among the four types of FA in the distances between the mandibular angle (P = 0.1226) or oral commissure (P = 0.1030) and the FA at inferior of mandible. Conclusions The detailed findings of facial artery will provide a valuable reference for filler injection in cosmetic procedures and flap design in reconstructive surgery.

Variant Arterial Supply of the Descending Colon by the Coeliac Trunk: A Case Report

Background and Objectives: Knowledge of arterial variations of the intestines is of great importance in visceral surgery and interventional radiology. Materials and Methods: An unusual variation in the blood supply of the descending colon was observed in a Caucasian female body donor. Results: In this case, the left colic artery that regularly derives from the inferior mesenteric artery supplying the descending colon was instead a branch of the common hepatic artery. Conclusions: Here, we describe the very rare case of an aberrant left colic artery arising from the common hepatic artery in a dissection study.