Anatomic variants of the hepatic arteries

The anatomic variants of the hepatic arteries observed in 216 abdominal arteriographies were analysed. A comparison was made with Michels' work based upon 200 anatomic dissections, and Suzuki's investigation of 200 abdominal arteriographies. Seven not previously classified anatomic variants of the hepatic arteries were found. The large number of variants may be ascribed to intricacies in the development of the vascular supply in the embryo and to the normal caudal displacement of the liver taking place in the embryo and fetus. Knowledge concerning existing variants is important in performing surgery, embolization and intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy in the hepatic region. (orig.)