Anatomical study of right coronary artery and its variations – Cadaveric study

• Author Details:   
• A.K. Manicka Vasuki
• M. Jamuna
• Deborah Joy
• M. Nirmala Devi
• K. Radhika

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Introduction: Knowledge of the normal and variant anatomy and anomalies of coronary circulation are vital component in the management of coronary artery disease. Any coronary artery disorder may reduce the blood supply to the heart and may lead to Myocardial infarction and death.
The aim of the study was to identify right coronary artery branching pattern and its variations. This may indirectly affect the patient’s prognosis. This study describes the presence of normal arterial pattern and variations of right coronary artery in fifty heart specimens.
Materials and Method: This study was carried out on fifty formalin fixed adult human cadaveric heart specimens of both sexes. Visceral pericardium and subepicardial fats were removed. The right coronary artery and its branches were carefully dissected and followed till their termination.
Results: The right coronary artery was found to be arising from pulmonary trunk in three heart specimens in our study. Third coronary artery was found in one specimen. Sinu atrial nodal artery was arising from right coronary from right coronary artery in 94% and from left coronary artery in 6% Right dominance was observed in 35(70%) specimens. Fistula between right coronary artery and pulmonary artery was found in one specimen.
Conclusion: Branching pattern of right coronary artery is important for interpretation of coronary angiography and surgical revascularization of myocardium.

Keywords: Coronary artery, Sinu – atrial nodal artery, Fistula, pulmonary artery