Intrathoracic bifurcation of the right common carotid artery

Abstract

Intrathoracic carotid artery bifurcation is a very rare condition and only six cases have been reported to the best of our knowledge. We present a case of a 52-year-old man who was found to have an atretic intrathoracic internal carotid originating at the T3 level. The recognition of an intrathoracic carotid bifurcation is essential in the planning of thoracic and vascular procedures to avoid unintentional iatrogenic injuries. Copyright 2013 BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved.