Main tributaries of the coronary sinus in the adult human heart

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Anatomical Reconstructions of the Human Cardiac Venous System using Contrast-computed Tomography of Perfusion-fixed Specimens
06:02

Anatomical Reconstructions of the Human Cardiac Venous System using Contrast-computed Tomography of Perfusion-fixed Specimens

Published on: April 18, 2013

B Duda1, M Grzybiak

  • 1Department of Anatomy and Antropology, Jedrzej Sniadecki University School of Physical Education, Gdańsk.

Folia Morphologica
|August 7, 1999
PubMed

Insights

This study examined the coronary sinus tributaries in 150 adult human hearts. Key cardiac veins were consistently observed, but other tributaries showed significant variability in their outlet portions.

Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • Cardiology
  • Medical Science

Background:

  • The coronary sinus collects deoxygenated blood from the heart walls.
  • It is a crucial structure in invasive cardiology procedures.
  • Understanding its tributaries is vital for clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence and anatomical variations of the main tributaries of the coronary sinus.
  • To analyze the topography of the outlet portions of these cardiac veins.
  • To provide anatomical data relevant to invasive cardiology.

Main Methods:

  • Dissection and examination of 150 adult human hearts (both sexes, aged 18-85 years).
  • Systematic observation of the coronary sinus and its primary venous tributaries.
  • Documentation of the presence and anatomical course of the great cardiac vein, middle cardiac vein, and posterior vein of the left ventricle.

Main Results:

  • The great cardiac vein, middle cardiac vein, and posterior vein of the left ventricle were consistently identified in all specimens.
  • Other tributaries of the coronary sinus demonstrated less consistent occurrence.
  • Significant anatomical variability was noted in the outlet portions of the main cardiac veins.

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms the consistent presence of major cardiac veins draining into the coronary sinus.
  • Anatomical variations in coronary sinus tributaries are common and clinically significant.
  • Detailed anatomical knowledge of these variations is essential for successful invasive cardiac procedures.

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