Subclavian Artery

Abstract

This chapter covers the variations of the origin of the subclavian artery (SCA) and related variations of its branches. Variations of the subclavian artery (SA) should also be considered along with variations of the aortic arch. In about 85% of cases, four branches of the SA: inferior thyroid, transverse cervical, and two internal thoracic arteries, form a common trunk; the vertebral artery and costocervical trunk are separate. The transverse cervical artery arises from the subclavian artery in about 61% of cases and from the thyrocervical trunk in about 38%. When transverse cervical artery is absent it is compensated by branches from the dorsal scapular or superficial cervical artery, costocervical trunk, or the distal or third part of the subclavian or even the axillary artery. Costocervical trunk commonly arises from the third part of the subclavian artery; however, it can also arise from other parts of the subclavian. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.