A study of origin of coronary arteries in human cadaveric hearts of South Karnataka region

Abstract

Background: The coronary arteries take origin from the aortic sinuses. The aortic sinuses are located in theinitial portion of the aortic root, which presents the leaflets of the aortic valve. The aortic sinusesreach beyond the upper border of the cusp. These sinuses are named according to their positionas the anterior, left posterior, and right posterior aortic sinuses. The right coronary arteryoriginates from the anterior coronary sinus and the left coronary artery originates from the leftposterior aortic sinus. Recently, anomalous origin of coronary arteries as a cause of coronaryheart disease is gaining significance. This presents with significant clinical features, includingsudden death, especially in young athletes. Aim: 1. To identify the location of left coronary artery ostia and measurement of diameter of it. 2. To identify the location of right coronary artery ostia and measurement of diameter of it Methods: Cadaveric heart specimens were dissected. The ascending aorta was divided at the origin andthe location of the coronary artery opening at anterior and posterior aortic sinuses wereidentified. The numbers of opening were noted. The diameter of the coronary artery openings was measured using digital vernier calipers. Results: The right coronary artery opening was located at a distance of 11.5mm from the right anterioraortic sinus. The mean diameter of the right coronary artery opening was 3mm.The left coronary artery opening was located at a distance of 10.4mm from the left posterioraortic sinus. The mean diameter of the left coronary artery opening was 4mm. There were no accessory openings. Conclusion: The right coronary artery opening was located at a greater distance from the correspondingright aortic sinus compared with that of the left coronary artery arising from left aortic sinus.The diameter of left coronary artery opening was greater than the right coronary arteryopening. The location of the coronary artery opening is important for interventionalcardiologists before performing procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting, coronaryangiography, coronary angioplasty. The diameters of the coronary artery ostia are alsonecessary for the above procedures. This study will throw light on the dimensions of coronaryartery ostia and will be helpful for cardiologists to select the required catheter to performinterventional procedures on heart.