Variance in coronary venous anatomy: a critical determinant in optimal candidate selection for cardiac

Arpandeep Randhawa1, Abhimanyu Saini, Anjali Aggarwal

  • 1Department of Anatomy, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

Insights

Understanding coronary sinus anatomy is crucial for cardiac resynchronization therapy. Variations like restrictive Thebesian valves and acute tributary angles can hinder left ventricle lead placement.

Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Medical Device Placement

Background:

  • Knowledge of coronary sinus (CS) anatomy is vital for successful left ventricle lead placement during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
  • Anatomical variations can significantly impact procedural outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anatomical variations of the coronary venous system.
  • To identify specific anatomical features that may impede cannulation of the coronary sinus for CRT lead placement.

Main Methods:

  • A detailed anatomical study was conducted on 50 formalin-fixed adult cadaveric hearts.
  • Analysis included the number, diameter, and opening angles of coronary venous tributaries.

Main Results:

  • Thebesian valve (TV) and Vieussens valve were observed in 64% and 60% of cases, respectively.
  • Restrictive TV coverage (≥75% of CS ostium) occurred in 25% of hearts.
  • Single prominent tributaries and acute tributary angles with the CS axis were noted in a significant percentage of cases.

Conclusions:

  • Restrictive Thebesian valves, single prominent tributaries, and acute tributary angles can impede successful coronary sinus cannulation.
  • These anatomical factors are critical considerations for electrophysiologists performing CRT.
  • Awareness of these variations can improve procedural success rates in CRT.
Abstract

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