Anatomic variance in the cholecystic blood supply: a case report.

The cystic artery is known to arise from many possible origins; with the right hepatic artery is the most common. Other origins of the cystic artery include the left hepatic artery, the common hepatic artery, and the superior mesenteric artery. In addition to the variability in origin of the cystic artery, its course can also follow diverse paths, often in close proximity to the common bile duct. This report presents a rare and, to our knowledge, previously unreported deviation of the cystic artery's origin and course that was encountered during cholecystectomy. This rare variant emphasizes the importance of a thorough knowledge of cystic arterial variations that often occur and may be encountered during both open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.