CLINICAL ANATOMY AND VARIATION OF PROFUNDA FEMORIS ARTERY- CASE SERIES

Background:The profundafemoris artery (PFA) or deep femoral artery is a large branch that arises posterolaterally from femoral artery (FA) distal to the inguinal ligament. Primary source for the blood supply of the head of the femur is the mainly by the deep branch of profundafemoris artery (Medial circumflex artery). In the indication and choice of profundaplasty, vascular reconstructive procedure, the knowledge of the anatomy of PF may be particularly important for the clinicians dealing with them. 

Objectives: The study aimed at study of origin and branching pattern of PF, b. Correlation with surgical aspect of PF.

Material & Methods: The present study was conducted in 10 formalin-fixed lower limbs from the Department of Anatomy, Shri AtalBihari Vajpayee Medical college& RI, Bangalore& Bangalore Medical college & Research Institute. Dissection of PFA and its branches were carried out & the following parameters were observed and photographed.

Results: Origin of PF was posterolateral in 6cases , posterior in 3, & lateral in 1 to FA. Origin of MCFA was from PFA in 9cases & FA in 1. The mean distance of origin of MCFA was 1.8 cm (range 0.1-8.5 cm). Origin of LCFA was from PFA in 9 cases & FA in 1. The mean distance of origin of LCFA was 2.3 cm (range 0.3-7 cm)

Conclusion: Knowledge of PFA is very important for surgeons to prevent iatrogenic injury as well as during profundoplasty as it is sole artery to supply majority of thigh region. Knowledge of variations in profundafemoris and its branches helps surgeons during preoperative clinical evaluation for surgical and interventional revascularization of the ileo-femoral and femoro-popliteal segments, in open canulation of femoral artery for cardiopulmonary bypasss, in radiological interventions for A-V malformations, and in salvage operations for traumatic limb ischemia.