Which vessel must be ligated during a thoracic limb amputation?

Which vessel must be ligated during a thoracic limb amputation?

• A. Axillary artery
• B. Brachial artery
• C. Subclavian artery
• D. Carotid artery

Answer: (A)

During a thoracic limb amputation, the goal is to stop the main arterial inflow to the limb to prevent heavy bleeding. The axillary artery is the primary vessel feeding the thoracic limb; as it travels through the axilla it continues as the brachial artery distally. Ligation of the axillary artery effectively halts arterial blood to the entire limb, providing reliable hemorrhage control for the procedure. Ligation of the subclavian would be more proximal and unnecessary for limb control, and could affect blood flow to other regions; the brachial artery is distal, so tying it alone wouldn’t stop the proximal inflow from the axillary. The carotid artery is unrelated to limb perfusion.

During a thoracic limb amputation, the goal is to stop the main arterial inflow to the limb to prevent heavy bleeding. The axillary artery is the primary vessel feeding the thoracic limb; as it travels through the axilla it continues as the brachial artery distally. Ligation of the axillary artery effectively halts arterial blood to the entire limb, providing reliable hemorrhage control for the procedure. Ligation of the subclavian would be more proximal and unnecessary for limb control, and could affect blood flow to other regions; the brachial artery is distal, so tying it alone wouldn’t stop the proximal inflow from the axillary. The carotid artery is unrelated to limb perfusion.