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These studies suggest that arteries in the leg are crucial for blood flow dynamics, collateral circulation, and are affected by conditions like peripheral arterial disease, with implications for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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The dynamics of arterial pressure and flow in the human leg are complex and influenced by various factors. A computer simulation model has shown that pressure and flow pulses in leg arteries are significantly affected by vessel elasticity and distal reflections from small vessels. The model also indicates that vasoconstriction and vasodilation, which alter peripheral resistance, can change the waveforms of pressure and flow pulses, aligning well with in vivo experimental data.
Collateral circulation in the lower limb, particularly involving the deep and superficial femoral arteries (DFA, SFA) and the popliteal artery (PA), plays a crucial role, especially in cases of arterial occlusion. A study on human cadavers revealed that the majority of collateral vessels originate from the DFA, with significant connections to the SFA and PA. These pathways are essential for maintaining blood flow during acute thrombosis and have implications for planning endovascular procedures.
Morphological characterization of leg arteries is vital for detecting vascular remodeling due to atherosclerosis. Reference values for vessel diameters decrease from proximal to distal arteries, with common iliac arteries measuring 1.18 cm and fibular arteries 0.40 cm. Stenosis is prevalent in lower leg arteries, particularly the anterior and posterior tibial arteries, and increases with age. These reference values are crucial for diagnosing and managing vascular conditions.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) significantly impacts leg function, often without classic symptoms like intermittent claudication. Studies show that individuals with PAD have worse lower-extremity function, including slower walking speed and reduced walking distance. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a simple diagnostic tool for PAD, which is associated with impaired leg strength and metabolic function in calf muscles .
Endurance training can lead to significant changes in the femoral arteries. One-legged cycle training increases the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the common femoral artery and vein, enhancing blood flow and aerobic capacity. These changes are localized to the trained leg, indicating that regional blood flow increases, rather than systemic factors, drive arterial expansion.
The deep femoral artery (DFA) shows significant anatomical variations, which are important for vascular reconstructive procedures. The DFA typically originates about 4.4 cm from the inguinal ligament, and its branching patterns can vary, affecting surgical approaches. Additionally, the septocutaneous vessels, which arise from major arteries like the posterior tibial and anterior tibial arteries, provide critical blood supply to the skin and fascia, forming the basis for fasciocutaneous flaps used in reconstructive surgery.
The concept of angiosomes, which defines the vascular territories supplied by specific arteries, is crucial for understanding blood supply in the leg. Each angiosome includes contributions from multiple source arteries, ensuring robust collateral circulation. This anatomical knowledge is essential for designing surgical flaps and understanding the impact of arterial occlusions.
Understanding the arterial dynamics, collateral pathways, and anatomical variations in the leg is essential for diagnosing and managing vascular conditions. Peripheral arterial disease significantly affects leg function, and endurance training can improve arterial health. Anatomical studies provide valuable insights for surgical planning and interventions, ensuring effective treatment and management of leg vascular diseases.
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