Double deep femoral artery associated with variation of femoral vein tributaries: Case report

Abstract

Background: The deep femoral artery arises from the femoral artery. The presence of a double deep femoral artery is rarely reported in the literature. Its association with a variation in the tributaries of the femoral vein has not yet been reported to our knowledge. It can pose difficulties during certain vascular interventions such as catheterization, bypass, and endovascular procedures of the femoral arteries.

Case Report: During dissection of the right femoral trigone in an adult male cadaveric subject, a double deep femoral artery associated with a variation in the tributary veins was observed. There was a superior deep femoral artery and an inferior deep femoral artery. The superior deep femoral artery arose from the posterior aspect of the femoral artery via a common trunk with the medial femoral circumflex artery. It gave off a branch for the adductor muscles of the thigh before continuing as the superior perforating artery. The inferior deep femoral artery also arose from the posterior aspect of the femoral artery. It divided, forming the middle and inferior perforating arteries. The lateral femoral circumflex artery originated from the lateral aspect of the femoral artery at the same level as the inferior deep femoral artery.

Conclusion: The double deep femoral artery is an extremely rare anatomical variation. It is exceptionally associated with a variation in the tributaries of the femoral vein. It is important for vascular surgeons to be aware of it during certain vascular interventions such as catheterization, bypass, and endovascular procedures of the femoral arteries.