Lateral External Carotid Artery: Implications for the Vascular Surgeon

The internal carotid artery (ICA) usually lies posterolaterally to the external carotid artery (ECA) beyond the carotid bifurcation. Unusual conformations of these arteries have received little attention in the literature. Two cases of lateral ECA (LECA) were identified during cadaveric dissection which would have limited access to the ICA during carotid endarterectomy (CEA). ICA exposure during CEA in cases of LECA is challenging requiring care to avoid hypoglossal or internal laryngeal nerve injury. Circumferential dissection and medial mobilisation of the ECA provides suitable exposure for CEA.

Keywords: Carotid artery, Anatomy, Carotid endarterectomy