Right coronary artery anatomy: anatomical and morphometric analysis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Anatomy
• Human Morphology
• Coronary Artery Anatomy

Background:

• The anatomical variability of the right coronary artery (RCA) is significant for surgical procedures and clinical events.
• Variations typically involve length, branching patterns, origin, and irrigated territories.

Purpose of the Study:

• To directly examine and evaluate the morphological characteristics of the RCA in the Colombian population.

Main Methods:

• Direct examination of 221 fresh human hearts.
• RCA ostium canalization with polyester synthetic resin injection into its branches.

Main Results:

• RCA proximal segment caliber: 3.42 ± 0.66 mm; acute angle caliber: 2.9 ± 0.50 mm.
• Posterior interventricular artery reached inferior third/apex/anterior interventricular sulcus in 67.4% of cases.
• Sinoatrial node artery originated from RCA in 60.6% of cases.

Conclusions:

• Observed RCA caliber is smaller than reported in most previous studies.
• Posterior right diagonal artery frequency is slightly higher than previously documented.
• These variations necessitate consideration in hemodynamic procedures, cardiac surgery, and arrhythmias.