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Arterial System (arterial + system)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	59%
Life Sciences	31%
Engineering	9%

Selected Abstracts

Angioarchitecture of the Branchial Arterial System of Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 2005
N. Ito
The arterial system of the gills of carp and its histological structure were studied light and electron microscopically by making Mercox or Neoplane Latex corrosion cast preparations. Four pairs of afferent and efferent branchial arteries, and a pair of afferent and efferent pseudobranchial arteries were identified in the branchial arterial system. The 1st and 2nd afferent branchial arteries are given off directly from the ventral aorta, and the 3rd and 4th afferent arteries originate from their common trunk, which is branched off from the ventral aorta caudal to the origin of the former branchial arteries. Numerous afferent filamental arteries are connected to the lamellar blood capillary networks in the gill lamellae via afferent lamellar arterioles, and efferent filamental arteries followed the efferent lamellar arterioles are converged into four efferent branchial arteries that are connected to the dorsal aorta. To the pseudobranchia, afferent pseudobranchial arteries are connected with the ventral branches of the 1st efferent branchial arteries to provide arterial blood to the organ through the afferent mandibular arteries. Afferent pseudobranchial lamellar arterioles originating from the afferent pseudobranchial filamental arteries are connected with the blood capillary networks in the pseudobranchial lamellae, and blood in the capillary networks is drained into the efferent pseudobranchial filamental arteries via 2-4 pseudobranchial lamellar arterioles. Branches of the efferent pseudobranchial filamental arteries are connected with the arteries to the eyeballs and provide blood to choroid of the vascular tunic of them. Pseudobranchial cells surrounding lamellar capillaries in the pseudobranchia are furnished with abundant mitochondria and tubular structures, and the histological findings suggest the cells may share an ability to exchange physiological materials between the cells and the blood in the capillary networks of pseudobranchia. [source]

Arterial stiffening and cardiac hypertrophy in a new rat model of type 2 diabetes

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 1 2006
K.-C. Chang
Abstract Background, We determined the effects of NIDDM on haemodynamic parameters describing arterial wall elasticity and cardiac hypertrophy in rats administered streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NA), using the aortic impedance analysis. Methods, Male Wistar rats at 2 months were administered intraperitoneally 180 mg kg,1 of NA, 30 min before an intravenous injection of 50 mg kg,1 STZ, to induce type 2 diabetes. The STZ-NA rats were divided into two groups, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after induction of diabetes, and compared with untreated age-matched controls. Pulsatile aortic pressure and flow signals were measured by a high-fidelity pressure sensor and electromagnetic flow probe, respectively, and were then subjected to Fourier transformation for the analysis of aortic input impedance. Results, In each diabetic group, the experimental syndrome was characterized by a moderate and stable hyperglycaemia and a relative deficiency of insulin secretion. However, the 8-week but not the 4-week STZ-NA diabetic rats showed a decrease in cardiac output in the absence of any significant changes in mean aortic pressure, having increased total peripheral resistance. The diabetic syndrome at 8 weeks also contributed to an increase in aortic characteristic impedance, from 1·49 ± 0·33 (mean ± SD) to 1·95 ± 0·28 mmHg s mL,1 (P < 0·05), suggesting a detriment to the aortic distensibility in NIDDM. Meanwhile, the STZ-NA diabetic animals after 8 weeks had an increased wave reflection factor (0·46 ± 0·09 vs. 0·61 ± 0·13, P < 0·05) and decreased wave transit time (25·8 ± 3·8 vs. 20·6 ± 2·8 ms, P < 0·05). Ratio of the left ventricular weight to body weight was also enhanced in the 8-week STZ-NA diabetic rats. Conclusion, The heavy intensity with early return of the pulse wave reflection may augment systolic load of the left ventricle coupled to the arterial system, leading to cardiac hypertrophy in the rats at 8 weeks after following STZ and NA administration. [source]

Effects of Delaying Fluid Resuscitation on an Injury to the Systemic Arterial Vasculature

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 4 2002
James F. Holmes MD
Abstract. Objectives: To determine the effects of delaying fluid on the rate of hemorrhage and hemodynamic parameters in an injury involving the arterial system. Methods: Twenty-one adult, anesthetized sheep underwent left anterior thoracotomy and transection of the left internal mammary artery. A chest tube was inserted into the thoracic cavity to provide a continuous measurement of blood loss. The animals were randomly assigned to one of three resuscitation protocols: 1) no fluid resuscitation (NR), 2) standard fluid resuscitation (SR) begun 15 minutes after injury, or 3) delayed fluid resuscitation (DR) begun 30 minutes after injury. All of the animals in the two resuscitation groups received 60 mL/kg of lactated Ringer's solution over 30 minutes. Blood loss and hemodynamic parameters were measured throughout the experiment. Results: Total hemorrhage volume (mean ± SD) at the end of the experiment was significantly lower (p = 0.006) in the NR group (1,499 ± 311 mL) than in the SR group (3,435 ± 721 mL) or the DR group (2,839 ± 1549 mL). Rate of hemorrhage followed changes in mean arterial pressure in all groups. Hemorrhage spontaneously ceased significantly sooner (p = 0.007) in the NR group (21 ± 14 minutes) and the DR group (20 ± 15 minutes) than in the SR group (54 ± 4 minutes). In the DR group, after initial cessation of hemorrhage, hemorrhage recurred in five of six animals (83%) with initiation of fluid resuscitation. Maximum oxygen (O2) delivery in each group after injury was as follows: 101 ± 34 mL O2/kg/min at 45 minutes in the DR group, 51 ± 20 mL O2/kg/min at 30 minutes in the SR group, and 35 ± 8 mL O2/kg/min at 60 minutes in the NR group. Conclusions: Rates of hemorrhage from an arterial injury are related to changes in mean arterial pressure. In this animal model, early aggressive fluid resuscitation in penetrating thoracic trauma exacerbates total hemorrhage volume. Despite resumption of hemorrhage from the site of injury, delaying fluid resuscitation results in the best hemodynamic parameters. [source]

Two-thumb vs Two-finger Chest Compression in an Infant Model of Prolonged Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 10 2000
Michele L. Dorfsman MD
Abstract. Objective: Previous experiments in the authors swine lab have shown that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using two-thumb chest compression with a thoracic squeeze (TT) produces higher blood and perfusion pressures when compared with the American Heart Association (AHA)-recommended two-finger (TF) technique. Previous studies were of short duration (1-2 minutes). The hypothesis was that TT would be superior to TF during prolonged CPR in an infant model. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized crossover experiment in a laboratory setting. Twenty-one AHA-certified rescuers performed basic CPR for two 10-minute periods, one with TT and the other with TF. Trials were separated by 2-14 days, and the order was randomly assigned. The experimental circuit consisted of a modified manikin with a fixed-volume arterial system attached to a neonatal monitor via an arterial pressure transducer. The arterial circuit was composed of a 50-mL bag of normal saline solution (air removed) attached to the manikin chest plate and connected to the transducer with a 20-gauge intravenous catheter and tubing. Rescuers were blinded to the arterial pressure tracing. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded in mm Hg, and pulse pressures (PPs) were calculated. Data were analyzed with two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. Sphericity assumed modeling, with Greenhouse-Geisser and Huynh-Feldt adjustments, was applied. Results: Marginal means for TT SBP (68.9), DBP (17.6), MAP (35.3), and PP (51.4) were higher than for TF SBP (44.8), DBP (12.5), MAP (23.3), and PP (32.2). All four pressures were significantly different between the two techniques (p , 0.001). Conclusion: In this infant CPR model, TT chest compression produced higher MAP, SBP, DBP, and PP when compared with TF chest compression during a clinically relevant duration of prolonged CPR. [source]

Vascular and renal actions of brain natriuretic peptide in man: physiology and pharmacology

FUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 4 2005
Alphons J.H.M. Houben
Abstract During the last decade brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has received increasing attention as a potential marker of cardiovascular disease. BNP may act as a compensating mechanism in cardiovascular diseases in order to reduce preload. However, the increase in endogenous BNP is often not sufficient to compensate for volume overload in diseases like established hypertension and heart failure. The reported hemodynamic and renal effects of BNP in man differ largely between studies, because of differences in design and doses of BNP employed. In the pharmacological range, BNP has clear blood pressure and afterload lowering effects, and in the kidney blood flow and filtration is increased with concomitant natriuresis and diuresis. While in the physiological range BNP does not affect blood pressure and reduces preload only, and induces natriuresis/diuresis without changes in renal blood flow and filtration. There is increasing evidence from vascular studies that BNP preferentially acts on the venous system resulting in preload reduction, in contrast to atrial natriuretic peptide which acts preferentially on the arterial system to reduce afterload. This review summarizes our current understanding of BNP, and discuss its regulation and mechanisms of action on the vasculature and the kidneys. [source]

Acute Myocardial Infarction With Sumatriptan: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

HEADACHE, Issue 5 2009
Flavio Devetag Chalaupka MD
We report a case of myocardial infarction associated with the use of sumatriptan and review the literature regarding similar cases. A 54-year-old woman with a history of migraine without aura, mild arterial hypertension, depression, and no history of coronary artery disease was admitted to our hospital for acute myocardial infarction, 30 minutes after using 6 mg of subcutaneous sumatriptan. Coronary angiography performed several days later revealed a normal coronary arterial system. Although at discharge the patient was advised to permanently avoid triptans, she continued the use of oral sumatriptan at low dosage (25-50 mg) without any problems. [source]

Simulation of fluid,structure interaction with the interface artificial compressibility method

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 3-4 2010
Joris Degroote
Abstract Partitioned fluid,structure interaction simulations of the arterial system are difficult due to the incompressibility of the fluid and the shape of the domain. The interface artificial compressibility (IAC) method mitigates the incompressibility constraint by adding a source term to the continuity equation in the fluid domain adjacent to the fluid,structure interface. This source term imitates the effect of the structure's displacement as a result of the fluid pressure and disappears when the coupling iterations have converged. The IAC method requires a small modification of the flow solver but not of the black-box structural solver and it outperforms a partitioned quasi-Newton coupling of the two black-box solvers in a simulation of a carotid bifurcation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

The development of taiwan arterial traffic-adaptive signal control system and its field test: A taiwan experience

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED TRANSPORTATION, Issue 4 2009
Yueh-Tzu Wu
Abstract This Taiwan traffic-adaptive arterial signal control model borrowed its traffic flow framework mainly from a British traffic-adaptive control model with a cyclic traffic progression function, i.e. SCOOT (Split Cycle Office Optimisation Technique). The new arterial control model can take into account delays of both major and minor streets and make real-time signal timing decisions with optimal two-way signal offsets, so as to create the best arterial signal operation performance. It has been developed to be an online real-time software for both simulation testing and field validation. Through simulation, it was found that the performance when operating this newly developed real-time arterial traffic-adaptive model was significantly better than when using the optimal fixed-time arterial timing plan. On the aspect of field testing, three signalized intersections located in East District, Tainan City, Taiwan were selected to be the test sites. Fairly good traffic control performance has been demonstrated in that it can effectively reduce travel delays of the control arterial as a whole. Additional discussions about how to combine travel delay and the total number of vehicle stops into a new control performance index have also been included to make the new traffic-adaptive model more flexible and reasonable to meet the expectations of different driver groups in the arterial system. [source]

Absence of carotid rete mirabile in small tropical ruminants: implications for the evolution of the arterial system in artiodactyls

JOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 1 2007
Katsuhiro Fukuta
Abstract The intracranial carotid rete (or rete mirabile epidurale) is a unique blood vascular system supplying the brain of artiodactyls, which have either an involuted or no internal carotid artery. Although the lesser and greater mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus and T. napu, respectively) are ruminants, the rete mirabile epidurale is absent. In these animals, as in non-artiodactyls, such as canines, equines and humans, the complete internal carotid artery supplies the brain. It is currently uncertain whether the absence of the rete is confined to mouse deer among ruminants. The absence of the rete in mouse deer provides new insights into the evolution of the arterial system in artiodactyls. [source]

Hepatic arterial flow becomes the primary supply of sinusoids following partial portal vein ligation in rats

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 10 2006
Yukihiro Yokoyama
Abstract Background and Aim:, Partial portal vein ligation (PPVL) is a commonly used procedure to induce prehepatic portal hypertension in animal models. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the hepatic arterial flow becomes the primary source feeding the sinusoids in the liver after PPVL. Methods:, Sprague,Dawley rats underwent either sham operation or partial portal vein ligation (PPVL). The number of vessels in the liver at 2 weeks postoperatively was determined by factor VIII immunolocalization and the gene expression of angiogenic factors was assessed by RT-PCR. The total hepatic arterial supply to the liver was measured using the fluorescent microsphere injection technique. To further test the hypothesis, two additional groups of rats underwent hepatic artery ligation (HAL) or PPVL plus HAL (PPHAL). The integrity of hepatic microcirculation was then evaluated in all four groups by intravital microscopy. Results:, At 2 weeks after operation, the number of vessels detected by factor VIII staining was significantly higher in PPVL compared to sham. Densitometric analysis of RT-PCR bands revealed a significant increase of vascular endothelial growth factor gene expression in PPVL compared to sham. Arterial flow to the liver measured by fluorescent microspheres was increased by 190% in PPVL compared to sham. When all four groups were compared, no prominent histological abnormality was observed in sham, HAL, and PPVL groups; however, PPHAL livers showed focal necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration around the portal triads. Additionally, only the PPHAL livers showed a decreased sinusoidal diameter and significantly lower perfusion index (PPHAL 42.9 ± 6.1; sham 85.7 ± 7.0, PPVL 80.2 ± 6.5, HAL 70.9 ± 4.5). Conclusions:, These results suggest that the hepatic artery flow becomes the primary source for the blood supply of sinusoids and the compensatory change in the hepatic arterial system plays a critical role in maintaining microcirculatory perfusion following the restriction of the portal vein flow by PPVL. [source]

Gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced three-dimensional MR-angiography: Dosing, safety, and efficacy

JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 3 2004
Mathias Goyen MD
Abstract Noninvasiveness, inherent three-dimensionality allowing reformations in any desired plane, and safe contrast agents, coupled with high diagnostic accuracy have driven the rise in popularity of contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) within the medical community. Reflecting its dominant market share as a paramagnetic contrast agent, gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) has been used for the majority of clinically-performed MRA exams. Over the period January 1994 to February 2002, a total of 172 original studies describing the use of gadolinium-enhanced MRA in more than three human subjects were identified. Of these, 117 described the use of Gd-DTPA as the contrast agent for MRA. A total of 4046 subjects who received Gd-DTPA for MRA are described in these studies. Analysis of these data demonstrate Gd-DTPA to be a safe contrast agent for MRA when applied in a dose ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 mmol/kg of bodyweight. The documented clinical results show Gd-DTPA to be efficacious in the assessment of the arterial system. The effectiveness of Gd-DTPA-enhanced MRA extends beyond the detection, localization, and characterization of arterial disease, and encompasses choice and planning of appropriate therapy, as well as evaluation of therapeutic effectiveness. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;19:261,273. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

The circulatory system in Mysidacea,Implications for the phylogenetic position of Lophogastrida and Mysida (Malacostraca, Crustacea)

JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY, Issue 4 2007
Christian S. Wirkner
Abstract The morphology of the circulatory organs in Mysida and Lophogastrida (traditionally combined as Mysidacea) is revisited investigating species so far unstudied. In addition to classical morphological methods, a newly developed combination of corrosion casting with micro computer tomography (MicroCT) and computer aided 3D reconstructions is used. Lophogastrida and Mysida show a highly developed arterial system. The tubular heart extends through the greater part of the thorax and is connected with the ventral vessel via an unpaired descending artery. It is suggested that a distinct ostia pattern supports the monophyly of Mysidacea. The cardiac artery system is more complex in Lophogastrida than in Mysida, consisting of up to 10 pairs of arteries that supply the viscera. In both taxa, an anterior and posterior aorta leads off the heart. In the anterior part of the cephalothorax the anterior aorta forms dilations into which muscles are internalized; these structures are called myoarterial formations. One of these myoarterial formations can also be found in all the other peracarid taxa but not in other Malacostraca. J Morphol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Use of Rheolytic Thrombectomy in the Treatment of Feline Distal Aortic Thromboembolism

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2006
S. Brent Reimer
The purpose of this prospective clinical trial was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a commercially available rheolytic thrombectomy system in the treatment of naturally occurring feline aortic thromboembolic disease. All 6 cats enrolled in the investigation were affected at the level of the distal aorta and had signs of the disease affecting both pelvic limbs. Cats were anesthetized and an arteriotomy was performed on 1 carotid artery to gain access to the arterial system. Selective arterial angiography was used to confirm the presence of thromboembolic disease. The thrombectomy system was advanced to the level of the thrombus using fluoroscopic guidance. Repeat angiography was used intermittently to assess progress of thromboembolus dissolution throughout the procedure. The use of the rheolytic thrombectomy system resulted in successful thrombus dissolution in 5 of 6 cats. Three of 6 cats survived to discharge. Both of these results compare favorably with conventional therapies used in the treatment of this disease. Feline distal aortic thromboembolism is a frustrating disease that warrants a guarded to poor prognosis. Rheolytic thrombectomy may provide veterinarians with an alternative therapy in the treatment of thromboembolic diseases, including feline distal aortic thromboembolism. [source]

Three-dimensional reconstruction of the remodeling of the systemic vasculature in early pig embryos

MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 2 2008
Pieter Cornillie
Abstract Current research on angiogenesis and vascular regression is mainly focused on pathological conditions such as tumor growth and diabetic retinopathy, while a suitable physiological model to study the controlling factors in these processes is still lacking. The remodeling pattern of the embryonic vasculature into the adult configuration, such as the branchial arch arterial system developing into the aorta or the early embryonic veins building the caudal vena cava can potentially serve as a model. However, practical applications of the embryonic vascular patterning are impeded by the current controversy over the exact development of the caudal vena cava in mammals. To elucidate these ambiguities, specific developmental stages of vascular development in pig embryos were mapped by means of computer-assisted 3D reconstructions starting from histological serial sections of Bouin's fixed embryos. Special attention was given to venous segments in the lumbar region, as their origin and fate are equivocally described in literature. Here we demonstrate that these venous segments originate from the caudal cardinal veins which are forced to migrate during development into a more dorsal position due to the expansion of the developing metanephroi and the more dorsal relocation of the umbilical arteries. These findings are in contrast with the generally accepted theory that the venous segments in the lumbar region arise from newly formed veins that are located dorsal to the early caudal cardinal system. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Arterial vascularization of the mandible and maxilla of neotropical primates

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 8 2006
Cristiane Schilbach Pizzutto
Abstract The objective of the present investigation was to conduct a comparative macroscopic study of the arterial vascularization of the mandible and maxilla of neotropical primates of the genera Cebus, Alouatta, Callithrix, and Leontopithecus. After vinyl was injected into the arterial system of the head of each specimen, the pieces were macerated and corroded. The level of the bifurcation of the common carotid artery into the internal and external carotids varied between the first and third cervical vertebrae. The external carotid artery accounts for most of the vascularization of the facial structures. The actual vessels responsible for the supply of this region are the sublingual, facial, angular, lingual, submandibular, submental, inferior and superior labial, maxillary, inferior alveolar, infraorbital, superior posterior alveolar, palatine major, and sphenopalatine arteries. We conclude that although the arterial vascular pattern was similar in all the genera studied, and resembles the human pattern, there are notable variations in the vasculature of the mandible and maxilla among these four neotropical genera. Am. J. Primatol. 68:777,788, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Asymptomatic lower extremity deep venous thrombosis resulting in fibula free flap failure,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 6 2009
Adam S. Jacobson MD
Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: The successful harvest and transplant of a fibular flap depends on many factors, including healthy inflow and outflow systems. A contraindication to harvesting a fibular flap is disease of the lower extremity arterial system; therefore, preoperative evaluation of the arterial system is routine. Preoperative evaluation of the venous system is not routine, unless there is clinical suspicion of venous disease. Methods: Retrospective chart review. Results: Two cases of occult deep venous thrombosis (DVT) were encountered intraoperatively resulting in nontransplantable flaps. Conclusions: This finding represents a serious concern, and we believe that venous imaging should be considered in patients with significant risk factors for harboring an occult DVT. Laryngoscope, 2009 [source]

Angioarchitecture of the Branchial Arterial System of Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Arterial contamination: a useful indirect sign of cerebral sino-venous thrombosis

ACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2006
R. Kochhar
Background,,, Various imaging findings of cerebral sino-venous thrombosis (CSVT) have been described on magnetic resonance venography (MRV). Objective,,, The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance of visualization of the arterial system on cerebral MRV, also described as arterial contamination, as an indirect sign of CSVT. Methods,,, Forty patients with a clinical suspicion of venous sinus thrombosis underwent MR imaging of the brain, followed by MRV sequence, based on 2D time of flight technique in the coronal oblique plane. Patient's clinical symptoms and signs were noted with particular interest for papilloedema. Twenty-seven patients were diagnosed to have cerebral venous thrombosis on MRV, and of these, arterial contamination was visualized in 16 patients. In the remaining 13 cases, in which there was no evidence of venous sinus thrombosis, arterial contamination was absent. The sensitivity of this finding was 59.25% (n = 16/27), specificity was 100%, positive predictive value was 100% and negative predictive value was 54.2%. Of these 16 patients with arterial contamination, 12 patients had evidence of increased intracranial pressure in the form of papilloedema. Conclusion,,, Visualization of the arterial system is a useful indirect sign of CSVT, and may be an indicator of increased intracranial pressure in these patients. [source]

REVIEW: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: An Overview

CARDIOVASCULAR THERAPEUTICS, Issue 5 2010
Shahzad G. Raja
The last decade has seen major advances in the pharmacotherapy of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). One of these advances has been the discovery of endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs). ERAs are a class of potent vasodilators and antimitotic substances, which could specifically dilate and remodel pulmonary arterial system, and have been proposed as an alternative to traditional therapies for PAH. Current available evidence suggests that ERAs improve exercise capacity, functional status, pulmonary hemodynamics, and delay the time to clinical worsening for patients with PAH. This review attempts to provide an overview of the pharmacology, therapeutic benefits, and safety profile of ERAs in patients with PAH. [source]

The iliolumbar artery,Anatomic considerations and details on the common iliac artery trifurcation

CLINICAL ANATOMY, Issue 1 2010
M.C. Rusu
Abstract The iliolumbar artery (ILA) of Haller is the largest nutrient pedicle of the ilium and its detailed knowledge is important for various surgical procedures that approach the lumbosacral junction, the L4/L5 disk space, the sacroiliac joint, the iliac and psoas muscles, or the lumbar spine. Also the ILA is relevant for various techniques of embolization. We aimed to evaluate the anatomic and topographic features of the ILA, by dissection on 30 human adult pelvic halves and on 50 angiograms. ILA was a constant presence and it emerged at Level A (from the common iliac artery (CIA), 8.75%), Level B (from the CIA bifurcation, 2.5%), Level C (from the internal iliac artery (IIA), 52.5%), Level D (from the IIA bifurcation, 3.75%), and Level E (from the posterior trunk of the IIA, 32.5%). Level B of origin of the ILA corresponds to a trifurcated CIA (morphology previously unreported), while Level D corresponds to a trifurcated IIA. A higher origin of the ILA corresponds to a more transversal course of it. A descending lumbar branch that leaves the iliac arterial system independently to enter the psoas major muscle, as seen in 48% of cases, may be misdiagnosed as ILA. Surgical interventions in the lumbar, sacral, and pelvic regions must take into account the variable origins of the ILA from the iliac system that can modify the expected topographical relations and may lead to undesired hemorrhagic accidents. Clin. Anat. 23:93,100, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]