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DOI: 10.4322/jms.051214
Variations of origin of coronary artery and their importance
Publication History
15 August 2014
08 July 2015
Publication Date:
08 October 2018 (online)
Abstract
Introduction: Incidence of anomalous coronary arteries is rare and has been recognized as the causative factor for myocardial ischemia and sudden death. Knowledge about the variations of coronary arterial origin and its course provide a valuable guide to Cardiothoracic Surgeons and Physicians and be useful for producing devices appropriate for variant anatomical structures. The aim of the study was to investigate the number and position of the coronary ostia, emphasizing their possible clinical implications. Methods: Fifty one formalin fixed adult heart specimens were dissected to conduct a morphometric study on coronary ostia and establish their relation with respective aortic sinuses. In addition, branching pattern of the right coronary artery and its dominance were documented. Results: Variations in number and position of ostia in both sinuses were noted. Of the 96 ostia analyzed in the present study, 64.5% were located below the intercommissural line, 11.4% above it and 18.7% at its level. Mean diameter of right and left ostia was measured as 3.03mm and 2.9mm respectively. Mean distance of right and left ostia from their respective sinuses was found to be 15.14mm and 14.20mm respectively. Conclusion: Knowledge of normal and variant anatomy of coronary circulation is a vital component in diagnoses of congenital and acquired cardiac diseases. This study will provide additional information about variations of coronary artery to clinicians and manufacturers to plan their approach for safer and successful treatment.