Bilateral absence of the common femoral artery with high-origin and superficial course of the deep femoral artery: a rare case report

The common femoral artery is a chief source of blood supply to the lower limb. Variations in its anatomy, like its absence, high level commencement of the deep femoral artery (DFA) with a superficial course, are unusual. The knowledge of such variations may have substantial clinical applications, specifically in vascular surgical procedures, catheterizations, and diagnostic or interventional radiology.

During femoral triangle dissection of a 78-years female cadaver, absence of common femoral artery, commencement of DFA at the inguinal ligament level, following a superficial path contrary to its name was observed bilaterally. The exterior diameter of superficial and DFA were 5 mm, 4 mm and 6 mm, 4 mm respectively on the right and left side.

Awareness of such variations is essential for interventional radiologists, vascular, orthopaedic, plastic & reconstructive surgeons to plan and execute interventional and surgical procedures effectively and for Anatomist for successful embalming.