The Superior Pancreaticoduodenal Artery Origin
The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery is a branch of the gastroduodenal artery (e).
Anatomical Origin and Course
- The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery (SPDA) originates from the gastroduodenal artery, which itself is a branch of the common hepatic artery 1
- The SPDA provides blood supply to the head of the pancreas and the duodenum, forming an important anastomotic network with the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery 2
- The SPDA typically divides into anterior and posterior branches that run along the pancreaticoduodenal groove 3
Anatomical Variations
While the SPDA most commonly originates from the gastroduodenal artery, rare variations have been documented where it may arise from:
- The proper hepatic artery
- The right hepatic artery
- The left hepatic artery
- The superior mesenteric artery
- Accessory or replaced right hepatic artery 3
These variations are clinically significant during surgical procedures involving the pancreatic head, such as pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) 1
Surgical Significance
- During pancreaticoduodenectomy, careful identification and ligation of the SPDA is crucial to achieve proper hemostasis and complete tumor clearance 4
- Medial dissection of pancreatic head lesions requires complete mobilization of the portal and superior mesenteric veins from the uncinate process, with careful attention to the vascular anatomy 4
- Knowledge of potential anatomical variations of the SPDA is essential for surgeons to avoid inadvertent vascular injury during pancreatic resections 5
Clinical Relevance
- The SPDA forms part of an important collateral circulation between the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery territories 2
- This collateral pathway becomes particularly important in cases of celiac axis stenosis or occlusion 2
- During pancreatic surgery, the transverse pancreatic arteries (including the superior transverse pancreatic artery) are typically divided when the pancreas is transected over the portal vein 6
Anatomical Relationships
- The SPDA is closely related to the bile duct and provides small branches to this structure 1
- It anastomoses with the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (which originates from the superior mesenteric artery) to form an arterial arcade around the head of the pancreas 1
- This arterial arcade is important for maintaining blood supply to the pancreatic head and duodenum 2
Understanding the origin and variations of the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery is essential for surgeons performing procedures in the pancreaticoduodenal region to minimize the risk of vascular complications.