The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 1999
Comparative StudyDoes the Adamkiewicz artery originate from the larger segmental arteries?
The Adamkiewicz artery supplies most of the blood to the anterior spinal artery, which perfuses the anterior two thirds of the spinal cord. During operations for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm, detailed anatomic knowledge of the Adamkiewicz artery and its correlation with the intercostal and/or lumbar arteries is important to prevent postoperative paraplegia. ⋯ This study provides evidence that, during operations on the thoracoabdominal aorta, the intercostal and/or lumbar arteries should be preserved, regardless of their diameter, to prevent postoperative paraplegia.