Branches of the Anterior Cerebral Artery Near the Anterior Communicating Artery Complex: an Anatomic Study and Surgical Perspective

• AVCI Emel

  Department of Neurosurgery, The Harvey Ammerman Neurosurgical Laboratory, George Washington University

• FOSSETT Damirez

  Department of Neurosurgery, The Harvey Ammerman Neurosurgical Laboratory, George Washington University

• ASLAN Mehmet

  Department of Neurosurgery, Ankara University School of Medicine

• ATTAR Ayhan

  Department of Neurosurgery, Ankara University School of Medicine

• EGEMEN Nihat

  Department of Neurosurgery, Ankara University School of Medicine

Abstract

The anatomy of the branches of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) near the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) complex were investigated to minimize neurovascular morbidity caused by surgical procedures performed in this region. Thirty-one cadaver brains were perfused with colored silicone, fixed, and studied under the operating microscope. The recurrent artery of Heubner (RAH), orbitofrontal artery (OFA), and frontopolar artery (FPA) were identified as the branches of the ACA arising near the ACoA complex. The OFA and FPA were identified in all hemispheres. Forty-nine (64%) of a total of 77 RAHs arose from the A₂ segment. The OFA always arose from the A₂ segment, was consistently the smallest branch, and coursed to the gyrus rectus, olfactory tract, and olfactory bulb. The mean distance between the ACoA and the OFA was 5.96 mm. The FPA arose from the A₂ segment in 95% of the specimens, and coursed to the medial subfrontal region. The mean distance between the ACoA and the FPA was 14.6 mm. The RAH, OFA, and the FPA are three branches that arise from the ACA near the ACoA complex. These vessels have similar diameters, but can be distinguished by the final destination. Distinguishing these vessels is important since the consequences of injury or occlusion of the FPA and OFA are significantly less than of the RAH.<br>

Journal

• Neurologia medico-chirurgica

  Neurologia medico-chirurgica 43 (7), 329-333, 2003

  The Japan Neurosurgical Society

Keywords

• recurrent artery of Heubner
• orbitofrontal artery
• frontopolar artery
• anterior cerebral artery

Details

• CRID: 1390282680025948032
• NII Article ID: 110002277138
• NII Book ID: AN00358613
• DOI: 10.2176/nmc.43.329
• COI: 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3szoslelsQ%3D%3D
• ISSN: 13498029
• ISSN: 04708105
• PubMed: 12924591
• Web Site: http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/nmc/43/7/43_7_329/_pdf
• Web Site: https://search.jamas.or.jp/link/ui/2004107811
• Text Lang: en
• Data Source:
  • JaLC
  • Crossref
  • PubMed
  • CiNii Articles
• Abstract License Flag: Disallowed