Subclavian artery anatomical variations and its branching patterns: Literature review

The human body exhibits a variety of morphological patterns. These variances are rather common and frequently have no discernible effect on the health of the patient. Precise awareness of typical anatomical differences leads to better clinical practice outcomes. Anatomical variations are usually discovered during imaging prior to operation and surgery, as well as routine dissection. Furthermore, scientific methods for identifying anatomical variances include observational studies employing cadaveric dissection, medical imaging, and evidence-based anatomy. This literature aimed to give an overview of the various subclavian artery variations that have been found in various studies and to compile them all into a single study so that anatomists could easily access all variations and gain insight into their origin, course, branching patterns, and clinical significance. This study concluded and according to other studies, the most common variations are aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA), bicarotid trunk, high origin of the subclavian artery, and variant branching patterns. The courses and associated anomalies of subclavian artery in these variations is recorded. This is scientifically importantfor surgeons to be aware of this variation to avoid injury to the artery and to plan the surgical approach accordingly. If they wish to perform procedures in the neck and chest region, surgeons, radiologists, and other medical professionals must understand these anatomical variations.