Thoracic Artery In The Clinical (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting)Anatomy

Objective: Research the position of internal thoracic artery and the artery's length and width. Study the internal thoracic artery's terminal branches which include the part of the branches. And observe the relationship between thoracic transverse muscles and the internal thoracic artery. Also measure the distance from the internal thoracic artery to the sterna margo latralis. The purpose is to provide a better understanding of the anatomy of internal thoracic artery for the clinical surgery.Materials and methods: With 40 (male 30 cases, female 10 cases) formalin fixed adult corpses specimens ,body complete, internal thoracic artery intact, age is unknown. Observe and record the beginning of the internal thoracic artery, and the final part of it, and the relationship between thoracic chest muscle and internal thoracic artery. Measure the length of the internal thoracic artery and rib from the gap of the lateral margin sternum distance.The results: 1.87.5% of the thoracic inside articles start from subclavian artery first section, along the sternum the lateral margin to the downside. Only a few from tends to dry, neck subclavian artery the third paragraph and axillary artery the first paragraph. 2. Left and right internal thoracic artery length, respectively (19.34±1.69)㎝ and (18.86±1.73)㎝. Right and left internal thoracic artery were no significant difference, (p>0.05). 3.About 80 percent of the internal thoracic artery to form terminal branches in the sixth intercostals space, a few ribs in the fifth and seventh intercostal space on the formation of terminal branches. 4. The diameter of left internal thoracic artery in the beginning part of the second intercostals space, the third intercostal space, the fourth intercostal space, the fifth intercostal space, respectively (2.81±0.39)㎜, (2.70±0.48)㎜, (2.65±0.39)㎜, (2.37±0.45)㎜, (2.21±0.35)㎜. Right internal thoracic artery in the beginning part of the second intercostals space, the third intercostals space, the fourth intercostals space, the diameter of the fifth intercostal space, respectively (3.08±0.44)㎜,(2.92±0.45)㎜,(2.71±0.38)㎜,(2.52±0.45)㎜,(2.35±0.21)㎜. 5.Left internal thoracic artery in the second intercostals space, the third intercostals space, the fourth intercostals space, the fifth intercistal space lateral edge of the distance from the sternum,respectively (1.16±0.22)㎝,(1.14±0.22)㎝,(1.17±0.21)㎝,(1.21±0.29)㎝. Right internal thoracic artery in the second intercostal space, the third intercostals space, the fourth intercostals space, the fifth intercostal space lateral edge of the distance from the sternum, respectively (1.23±0.23)㎝,(1.24±0.21)㎝,(1.25±0.22)㎝,(1.28±0.34)㎝. 6.Approximately 60% of the transverse muscle of the chest with internal thoracic artery on the edge of the intersection at the third costal cartilage, followed by the second and fourth costal cartilage at the rib cartilage.Conclusion:1. For coronary artery bypass surgery, internal thoracic artery should be preferred. Compared to the saphenous vein, radial artery and right gastroepiploic artery. Internal thoracicartery has its unique strengths and advantages.2. Access to internal thoracic artey to the sixth costal cartilage above the vascular access to ensure the vessel diameter. Transverse muscle of the chest in the third costal cartilage at the intersection with internal thoracic artery, so more than in the third costal cartilage separation of internal thoracic artery must be careful not to damage the pleura. 3. The length of internal thoracic artery is about 19㎝,which can guarantee the length of two bypass vessels.