Cystic Artery

arteria cystica

The cystic artery supplies the gallbladder and is the critical vessel identified during cholecystectomy in the critical view of safety within Calot's triangle. Its origin is variable (right hepatic in 80%, left hepatic in 5%, other in 15%) and must be confirmed before clipping. The double cystic artery variant (10%) must be recognised to avoid missed bleeding. An anomalous Mirizzi's procedure — where the cystic artery wraps around the common hepatic duct — is a dangerous anatomical variant.

Region: Abdomen

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Right hepatic artery (in 80% — within Calot's triangle)

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The critical view of safety (CVS) requires complete dissection of the hepatocystic triangle to visualise only two structures entering the gallbladder (the cystic duct and cystic artery) before clipping. The CVS prevents bile duct injury from misidentification of the common bile duct as the cystic duct. A short, wide cystic artery requires clip placement as far as possible from the hepatic artery.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Cystic Artery Bleeding in Cholecystectomy

Cystic artery clip failure or unrecognised double cystic artery producing gallbladder fossa haemorrhage managed with targeted clip placement or conversion to open surgery.