Aims and Objectives: The variations of vessels arising from the aortic arch are numerous. The purpose of this study is the description of the variations on the branching pattern of arch of aorta, in order to offer useful data to anatomists, radiologists, vascular surgeons, neck and thorax surgeons in North Maharashtra subjects, and relating it with embryological basis. Materials and Methods: Sixty Six arches of adult North Maharastrian cadavers were exposed and their branches examined during cadaveric dissection in the Department of Anatomy of MVPS Dr. Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, Nashik and PDDVPFs Medical College Ahemadnager, Maharashtra. Result: In this investigations three-branched aortic arch was found in 59 cadavers (89.39 %); the 5(7.57 %), remaining aortic arch showed only two branches, out of which one was a common trunk, which incorporated the brachiocephalic trunk and left common carotid and other left subclavian artery and 2(3.03 %) aortic arches showed direct arch origin of the left vertebral artery. Conclusion: The accurate information on this is vital for vascular surgery in the thorax, head and neck regions. Although, the variations are usually asymptomatic, they may cause dyspnea, dysphagia, intermittent claudication, misinterpretation of radiological examinations and complications during neck and thorax surgery. These observations are precious while invading the arch of aorta and its branches by instruments, as all areas are susceptible to surgical attack.

Keywords: Thoracic Aorta; Variations; Branches; Vascular Surgery.