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Description

Variations in pulmonary vascular anatomy, though rare, are clinically significant due to their implications in thoracic surgeries and interventional procedures. This study examines a cadaveric case of aberrant pulmonary vasculature, characterized by inferior pulmonary veins exiting below the pulmonary hilum bilaterally, a previously undocumented anomaly. Using detailed dissection techniques, the anatomy was carefully traced, measured, and documented for clinical insight. A single embalmed cadaver, a 65-year-old male, was used for dissection at Touro University Nevada, College of Osteopathic Medicine. Findings revealed that the inferior pulmonary veins were displaced below the hilum bilaterally, merging into single vessels before terminating in the left atrium. Measurements showed the distances between the superior and inferior vasculature were 8.7cm on the right lung, and 11.5cm on the left. On cadavers with typical anatomy, the distance between the superior and inferior vasculature is measured to be between 5-7 cm apart. These findings underscore the complexity of pulmonary vein anatomy and the need for meticulous preoperative planning to avoid misdiagnosis or surgical complications. This case highlights the importance of understanding anatomical variations for radiologists and surgeons. Advanced imaging techniques, such as 3D-CT, and surgical approaches, such as robotic-assisted lobectomies, can improve preoperative visualization and outcomes in such cases. Further research is needed to establish the prevalence and clinical implications of these anomalies in larger cohorts. This study emphasizes the necessity of heightened awareness and education on pulmonary vascular anomalies to enhance patient safety and procedural efficacy.

Disciplines

Respiratory System

Document Type

Poster

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Variation of the Pulmonary Vasculature of Lung and Their Surgical Significance- A Case Study

Variations in pulmonary vascular anatomy, though rare, are clinically significant due to their implications in thoracic surgeries and interventional procedures. This study examines a cadaveric case of aberrant pulmonary vasculature, characterized by inferior pulmonary veins exiting below the pulmonary hilum bilaterally, a previously undocumented anomaly. Using detailed dissection techniques, the anatomy was carefully traced, measured, and documented for clinical insight. A single embalmed cadaver, a 65-year-old male, was used for dissection at Touro University Nevada, College of Osteopathic Medicine. Findings revealed that the inferior pulmonary veins were displaced below the hilum bilaterally, merging into single vessels before terminating in the left atrium. Measurements showed the distances between the superior and inferior vasculature were 8.7cm on the right lung, and 11.5cm on the left. On cadavers with typical anatomy, the distance between the superior and inferior vasculature is measured to be between 5-7 cm apart. These findings underscore the complexity of pulmonary vein anatomy and the need for meticulous preoperative planning to avoid misdiagnosis or surgical complications. This case highlights the importance of understanding anatomical variations for radiologists and surgeons. Advanced imaging techniques, such as 3D-CT, and surgical approaches, such as robotic-assisted lobectomies, can improve preoperative visualization and outcomes in such cases. Further research is needed to establish the prevalence and clinical implications of these anomalies in larger cohorts. This study emphasizes the necessity of heightened awareness and education on pulmonary vascular anomalies to enhance patient safety and procedural efficacy.