Vessel
Cystic artery
Variable arterial supply to the gallbladder
High-yield
A familiar right-hepatic origin is a starting pattern, not a guarantee. A second cystic artery or an unusual duct relationship can also occur.
Overview
The cystic artery reaches the gallbladder neck and supplies its wall, commonly through superficial and deep branches. It usually arises from the right hepatic artery, but its origin, course and number differ considerably between individuals.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Most often the right hepatic artery; alternative hepatic or nearby arterial origins occur.
- Course
- Usually approaches the gallbladder through the hepatocystic region; its relationship to the common hepatic duct varies.
- Branches
- Commonly divides into superficial and deep gallbladder branches; more than one cystic artery may be present.
- Supplies
- Supplies the gallbladder and contributes to the cystic duct's blood supply.
- Drains to
- Associated venous drainage reaches the adjacent liver and portal tributaries, including cystic veins.
Clinical correlation
Cystic arterial variation helps explain bleeding risk during gallbladder operations. A diagram of the usual hepatocystic triangle cannot establish the vascular pattern in an individual patient.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the cystic artery originate?
Most often the right hepatic artery; alternative hepatic or nearby arterial origins occur.
What does the cystic artery supply?
Supplies the gallbladder and contributes to the cystic duct's blood supply.
Where does the cystic artery drain to?
The cystic artery drains to the associated venous drainage reaches the adjacent liver and portal tributaries, including cystic veins.
What are the branches of the cystic artery?
Commonly divides into superficial and deep gallbladder branches; more than one cystic artery may be present.