Variability of the geometry of the human common carotid artery. A vessel cast study of 31 specimens.

The carotid artery is of special interest both for the pathologist because of its frequent depositions and for the fluid mechanic because of its complex flow properties. However, current knowledge of its geometry is insufficient. Therefore, a vessel cast study was undertaken and a method to fabricate vessel casts was developed. At post mortem the arteries are excised and filled with a resin at the proper transmural pressure. Thirty-one vessel casts of the carotid artery were performed and the following selected geometric parameters of these vessel casts were measured: the diameters of the main branches of carotid bifurcation (common, internal and external arteries) and the angles between internal, external and common carotid arteries. The geometric parameters vary considerably and may contribute to a corresponding variability in local hemodynamics.