On the features of carotid artery bifurcation geometry in normal state and in stenosis

Diseases of the brachiocephalic arteries are among the most common pathologies of the human cardiovascular system. Stenosis of the carotid bifurcation is treated surgically by performing either carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting. Endarterectomy can be performed using different techniques, including variations in incision shape and the use or non-use of a patch. The advantages of each option are debated within the scientific community and depend on the arterial anatomy and other patient-specific factors. The aim of this study was to conduct a statistical analysis of the anatomical characteristics of the common carotid artery bifurcation in order to identify relationships within and between samples of patients with stenosis and those without significant carotid artery pathology. Results. It was demonstrated that, in the group of patients without pathology, there is a regression relationship (p < 0.007) between the diameters of the common, internal, and external carotid arteries on both the left and right sides. In the pathology group, such relationships are absent. In addition, statistically significant differences were found between the groups in the diameters of the common carotid artery (p = 0.0004) and the external carotid artery (p = 0.0003), length of the carotid sinus (p = 0.05) and common carotid artery (p = 0.01). No significant differences were identified between the groups in the diameter of the internal carotid artery, the carotid sinus, or the branching angles of the daughter arteries. Conclusions. The results obtained may be highly useful for constructing numerical models of carotid arteries under normal conditions and in stenosis, as well as for manufacturing laboratory phantoms or for diagnostic purposes. The obtained results hold promise for application in both fundamental and applied research: in the development of numerical models of carotid arteries in normal and stenotic conditions, as well as in the design of laboratory phantoms and the refinement of diagnostic techniques for this pathology.