54 - Variability in Branching Patterns in Renal Arteries: A cadaveric Pilot Study

Poster Board Number: 54
There are separate poster presentation times for odd and even posters.
Odd poster #s – first hour
Even poster #s – second hour

Co-authors:

Chinasa Anokwuru - Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine; Cord Neal - Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine; Gabriella Tavera - Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine; Linda Yamthe - Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine

Abstract Body : Variability in Branching Patterns in Renal Arteries: A Cadaveric Pilot Study



Authors: Wahab Tariq ¹, M. Cord Neal ¹, Gabriella Tavera ¹, Linda Yamthe ¹, Chinasa Anokwuru ¹, Sadacharan Chakravarthy, Clinical Professor of Anatomy ¹, Tippen, Samantha Paige, Assistant Professor ², Ming, Xiaoming Zhang, Professor & Director of Anatomical Sciences <sup>2

1</sup> Fertitta Family College of Medicine, ² Baylor College of Medicine





Objective: Renal vasculature plays a pivotal role in organ transplantation and maintenance. For optimal outcomes, it is crucial to understand anatomic variations of the vasculature to ensure successful transplantation and minimize complications. The aim of this study was to identify renal artery (RA) branching variability, length to branches, and hilar circumference as it relates to surgery.



Materials and Methods: Forty-four adult cadaveric renal samples, encompassing both paired and unpaired specimens from Fertitta Family College of Medicine and Baylor College of Medicine were assessed for this study. Digital calipers were utilized for accurate data collection, focusing on exclusive observation, and recording of segmental branching patterns and size variability in available cadavers.



Results: Our results showed that 90.9% of right RAs, and 66.7% of left RAs displayed branching patterns prior to the renal hilum. Right branching RAs measured 67.95 ± 18.00 mm (mean ± SD), while the single non-branching artery measured 46.96 mm to the hilum. Left branching RAs measured 58.58 ± 13.67 mm, while non-branching was 56.75 ± 19.91 mm to the hilum. Of the branching RAs, the right displayed 3.00 ± 0.87 branches, while the left 2.56 ± 0.52 branches. The first branch of the right RAs was found to be 42.36 ± 17.56 mm, whereas the left was 41.93 ± 10.60 mm. Kidneys with right RAs branching displayed a hilum circumference of 137.42 ± 11.34 mm, while left RAs branching resulted in a hilum circumference of 143.72 ± 23.82 mm.



Conclusion: This study highlights the complexity of the RA branching variability. Right RAs are more likely to branch in the pre-hilar artery, with a greater number of branches; whereas the left renal hilar circumference are larger than that of the right. No clinical significance can currently be made in its current stage. Additional datapoints will drive a thorough and in-depth understanding of anatomical variations of the RA and peri-hilar branching pattern. Further research will inform a precise surgical approach to avoid any complications during renal transplantation and other renal surgeries.