title: The blood supply of vagus nerve in the human: its implication in carotid endarterectomy, thyroidectomy and carotid arch aneurectomy.
abstract: The human vagus nerve is supplied by a distinct vagal artery and vein. The artery, which lies on the anterior aspect of the nerve, is reinforced by many small arterioles along its course. These small vessels often lie in the surgical fields in carotid endarterectomy, thyroidectomy and aortic arch aneurectomy. Damage to these vessels may damage the vagus nerve and account for inexplicable cases of vagal palsy following the above surgical procedures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Fernando
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Lord
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000601:surgery*; D001158:Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D002102:Cadaver; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013965:Thyroidectomy; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply*; D014680:Veins / Q000033:anatomy & histology*