24 - Internal Thoracic Artery Variations with Implications for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Case Report

Poster Board Number: 24
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Co-authors:

H. Wayne Lambert - Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Laboratory Medicine (PALM); West Virginia University School of Medicine; Matthew Zdilla - Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Laboratory Medicine (PALM); West Virginia University School of Medicine

Abstract Body : The internal thoracic artery (internal mammary artery) is utilized in coronary artery bypass grafting and autologous breast reconstruction. This report details a unique bilateral variation wherein internal thoracic arteries arose from the origins of the axillary arteries, lateral to the anterior scalene muscles. The arteries coursed superficial to the first rib. Such an anatomical variation may detract from the desirability of the internal thoracic artery as a conduit. Likewise, the variation may impose an inherent predisposition to post-operative complications in the setting of a concurrent thoracic outlet syndrome. Thus, this anatomical variation presentation should be considered by thoracic surgeons and interventional radiologists during pre-surgical planning.