Exposure of the V1-V3 segments of the vertebral artery via the posterior cervical triangle: a cadaveric feasibility study.
OBJECTIVE
Surgical exposure of the extracranial part of the vertebral artery (VA) is occasionally necessary. Historically, the greater portion of the extracranial portion of the VA has been approached by traversing the anterior cervical triangle. The authors speculated that this entire segment of the VA could be reached with equal efficacy via the posterior cervical triangle (PCT).


METHODS
Six adult cadavers underwent dissection of the left and right VAs via the PCT. The entire extracranial VA was easily exposed through this approach. Only three of 12 sides required the transection of the clavicular head of the sternocleidomastoid muscle for exposure of the most proximal segment of the VA as it originated from the subclavian artery. No gross injury to the VA or other regional vessels or nerves was noted.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors found that the extracranial VA can be exposed easily through the PCT. Following confirmation of this technique in vivo, this approach may be added to the surgeon's armamentarium for exposing the extracranial segment of the VA.
Tubbs
R Shane
RS
Department of Cell Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA. rstubbs@uab.edu
Shoja
Mohammadali M
MM
Acakpo-Satchivi
Leslie
L
Wellons
John C
JC
Blount
Jeffrey P
JP
Oakes
W Jerry
WJ
Iskandar
Bermans J
BJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002102:Cadaver; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D004210:Dissection / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D014711:Vertebral Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery*