A.T. Ngo1, U. Nguyen1, S. Do1, C. Shi1, S. Hafez2 1Kansas City University, College Of Osteopathic Medicine, Joplin, MO, USA 2Kansas City University, College Of Dental Medicine, Joplin, MO, USA
Introduction: The external and internal iliac vessels supply the pelvis and lower extremities. The risk of ischemia due to obstruction or injury to a blood vessel increases when body weight increases or decreases. For example, atherosclerosis impedes organ perfusion. Our study aims to establish whether dimensional changes in the internal and external iliac arteries correspond with weight?disparities.
Methods: Fifty-nine formalin-embalmed cadavers from Kansas City University anatomy teaching laboratory donors were dissected to access the external and internal iliac vessels.?Donors’ weight measurements were obtained from the Gifted Body Program database, which is based on the recorded weight of the donor after death.?A Pearson correlation was calculated between the subject's weight and the length and diameter of the external and internal iliac arteries and veins. Vessel length was measured from the branching point from the common iliac artery or vein to the level of the inguinal ligament. The diameter was measured at 1.5 cm from the branching point of the common iliac artery or vein. Statistical analysis was conducted using 95% confidence intervals of their respective weights based on stratified weight measurements.
Results: A weak and negative correlation between the donor’s weight and the length of the external and internal iliac arteries was present; this could be interpreted as a small decrease in the length of the internal iliac artery and vein as weight increases. A moderate positive correlation between the body weight and the length of the internal iliac vein was present. This implied that the length of an individual’s internal iliac vein increases as their weight increases. The body weight and the length of external iliac veins showed a weak and negative correlation. Furthermore, the diameter of the external and internal iliac veins positively correlated to body weight. A weak positive correlation existed between the body weight and the diameter of internal iliac arteries. The diameter of the external iliac vein showed weak to moderate positive correlations with body weight.
Conclusion:?Weight disparities were correlated to changes in the internal and external vessels’ measurements. This could be useful for preoperative planning for surgical intervention for the overall goal of fewer complications.