A cadaveric study of level of carotid bifurcation and its variations

S H Dakare^1*, P S Bhuiyan²

Abstract               Background: The common carotid artery normally bifurcates at the level of the upper border of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx (C₃–C₄ junction) into external and internal carotid arteries. There may be variations in the level of bifurcation. Aim: The aim of the study was to correlate level of carotid bifurcation with upper border of thyroid cartilage and observe variations in the level of bifurcation. Methods: Twenty formalin fixed adult human cadavers, obtained from the Department of Anatomy were dissected. Results: The common carotid artery bifurcation was found most commonly below the level of bifurcation in 41.03%, at and above bifurcation in 38.46%, 20.51% respectively. Conclusion: To know about the variations of carotid bifurcation is useful for surgeons performing head and neck surgeries. It is also helpful for radiologists for diagnostic imaging of vascular lesions and for interventional procedures.

Key Words: Bifurcation, Cadaver, Variations.