Anatomy of blood microcirculation in the pig epicardial ganglionated nerve plexus.

Embolization of coronary arteries and their terminal arterioles causes ischemia of all tissues distributed within a cardiac wall including the intrinsic cardiac ganglionated nerve plexus (ICGP). The disturbed blood supply to the ICGP causes chronic sympathetic activation with succeeding atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. This study analyses the anatomy of microcirculation of epicardial nerves and ganglia using the hearts of 11 domestic pigs. Our findings demonstrate that thicker epicardial nerves are normally supplied with blood via 12 epineural arterioles penetrating the endoneurium regularly along a nerve, and forming an endoneurial capillary network, which drains the blood into the myocardial blood flow. The mean diameter of intraneural capillaries was 7.2 ± 0.2 µm, while the diameters of arterioles were 25.8 ± 0.7 µm and involved 45 endothelial cells accompanied by circular smooth muscle cells. Usually, two or three arterioles with a mean diameter of 28.9 ± 1.7 µm supplied blood to any epicardial ganglion, in which arterioles proceeded into a network of capillaries with a mean diameter of 6.9 ± 0.3 µm. Both the epicardial nerves and the ganglia distributed near the porta venarum of the heart had tiny arterioles that anastomosed blood vessels from the right and the left coronary arteries. The density of blood vessels in the epicardial nerves was significantly lesser compared with the ganglia. Our electron microscopic observations provided evidence that blood vessels of the pig epicardial nerves and ganglia may be considered as either arterioles or capillaries that have quantitative and qualitative differences comparing to the corresponding blood vessels in humans and, therefore, a pig should not be considered as an animal model of the first choice for further heart functional studies seeking to improve the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias via trans-coronary cardiac neuroablation. STRUCTURED ABSTRACT: This study details the anatomy of microcirculation of epicardial nerves and ganglia, from which intracardiac nerves and bundles of nerve fibers extend into all layers of the atrial and ventricular walls in the most popular animal model of experimental cardiology and cardiac surgery - the domestic pig. Our findings provided evidence that blood vessels of the pig epicardial nerves and ganglia may be considered as either arterioles or capillaries that have quantitative and qualitative differences comparing to the corresponding blood vessels in humans and, therefore, a pig should not be considered as an animal model of the first choice for further heart functional studies seeking to improve the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias via trans-coronary cardiac neuroablation.

Right and Left Coronary and Conus Arteries Originating from Three Separate Ostia in the Right Valsalva Sinus in a Japanese Cadaver: A Case Study with Literature Review.

A rare case of an anomalous location of the orifice of the coronary artery was found in a 99-year-old male cadaver undergoing routine dissection. The presence of the right coronary artery (RCA), left coronary artery (LCA), and conus artery (conus branch) originating from the right Valsalva sinus are the characteristic findings of this case. Then, the LCA passed through the aorta and the pulmonary artery. The LCA and RCA branches were normal. These findings are useful for future surgical procedures, including cardiac catheterization.

Newly Developed Sex-Specific Z Score Model for Coronary Artery Diameter in a Pediatric Population.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to generate a Z score calculation model for coronary artery diameter of normal children and adolescents to be adopted as the standard calculation method with consensus in clinical practice. METHODS: This study was a retrospective, multicenter study that collected data from multiple institutions across South Korea. Data were analyzed to determine the model that best fit the relationship between the diameter of coronary arteries and independent demographic parameters. Linear, power, logarithmic, exponential, and square root polynomial models were tested for best fit. RESULTS: Data of 2,030 subjects were collected from 16 institutions. Separate calculation models for each sex were developed because the impact of demographic variables on the diameter of coronary arteries differs according to sex. The final model was the polynomial formula with an exponential relationship between the diameter of coronary arteries and body surface area using the DuBois formula. CONCLUSION: A new coronary artery diameter Z score model was developed and is anticipated to be applicable in clinical practice. The new model will help establish a consensus-based Z score model.

Experimental validation and clinical feasibility of 3D reconstruction of coronary artery bifurcation stents using intravascular ultrasound.

The structural morphology of coronary stents and the local hemodynamic environment following stent deployment in coronary arteries are crucial determinants of procedural success and subsequent clinical outcomes. High-resolution intracoronary imaging has the potential to facilitate geometrically accurate three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of coronary stents. This work presents an innovative algorithm for the 3D reconstruction of coronary artery stents, leveraging intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and angiography. The accuracy and reproducibility of our method were tested in stented patient-specific silicone models, with micro-computed tomography serving as a reference standard. We also evaluated the clinical feasibility and ability to perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies in a clinically stented coronary bifurcation. Our experimental and clinical studies demonstrated that our proposed algorithm could reproduce the complex 3D stent configuration with a high degree of precision and reproducibility. Moreover, the algorithm was proved clinically feasible in cases with stents deployed in a diseased coronary artery bifurcation, enabling CFD studies to assess the hemodynamic environment. In combination with patient-specific CFD studies, our method can be applied to stenting optimization, training in stenting techniques, and advancements in stent research and development.

Anatomical Study of the Cardiac Veins and their Tributaries in Bovines (Bos indicus) in Comparison with Humans and Other Animal Species / Estudio Anatómico de las Venas Cardiacas y sus Tributarias en Bovinos (Bos indicus) en Comparación con Humanos y Otras Especies Animales

SUMMARY: In bovines, anatomical observations of the coronary vascular tree describe qualitative characteristics. The objective of this study was to morphometrically characterize the coronary veins and their tributaries in cattle. An arcuate application with 2.0 silk was performed around the ostium of the coronary sinus of 28 bovine hearts and a number 14 catheter was placed, through which semi- synthetic polyester resin and mineral blue color was perfused. In 22 hearts (78.6 %) the great cardiac vein was originated at the cardiac apex. The configuration of the arteriovenous trigone was mainly closed inferior and superior types (50 %). The caliber of the great cardiac vein at the level of the atrioventricular sulcus was 6.7 +/- 1.2 mm. The origin of the left marginal vein was observed in the lower third of the left cardiac margin (53.6 %), its distal caliber was 4.1 +/- 0.8 mm and its drainage was at the level of the great cardiac vein. The middle cardiac vein originated from the cardiac apex in 78.6 % of the samples, emptied mainly into the coronary sinus (82.1 %) and its distal caliber was 4.7 +/- 0.9 mm. Anastomoses occurred in 28.6 % of the hearts, being found in most cases between the middle cardiac vein and the great cardiac vein (50 %), which was significant compared to other anastomoses (p<0.001). The length of the coronary sinus was 42.2 +/- 5.1 mm, its distal caliber was 13.8 +/- 2 mm, and its shape was cylindrical. Myocardial bridges were found in 3 hearts (10.7 %) mainly in the lower third of the middle cardiac vein (66.6 %). Most of the main coronary veins drained into the coronary sinus, with some cases with atypical outlets and the presence of a high percentage of anastomosis that serves to improve cardiac venous drainage in case of venous compression or obstruction.

En bovinos, las observaciones anatómicas de árbol vascular coronario describen características cualitativas. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar morfométricamente las venas coronarias y sus tributarias en bovinos. Se realizó una aplicatura arciforme con seda 2.0 alrededor del ostium del seno coronario de 28 corazones de bovino y se colocó un catéter número 14, a través del cual se perfundió resina de poliéster semisintética y color azul mineral. La vena cardiaca magna se originó en 22 corazones (78,6 %) en el ápex cardiaco. La configuración del trígono arteriovenoso fue principalmente cerrado inferior y superior (50 %). El calibre de la vena cardiaca magna a nivel del surco atrioventricular fue 6,7 +/- 1,2 mm. El origen de la vena marginal izquierda se observó en el tercio inferior del margen izquierdo cardiaco (53,6 %), su calibre distal fue 4,1 +/- 0,8 mm y su desembocadura fue a nivel de la vena cardiaca magna. La vena cardiaca media se originó en el ápex cardiaco en el 78,6 % de las muestras, desembocó principalmente en el seno coronario (82.1 %) y su calibre distal fue 4,7 +/- 0,9 mm. Se presentó anastomosis en el 28,6 % de los corazones, encontrándose en la mayoría de los casos entre la vena cardiaca media y la vena cardiaca magna (50 %), lo cual fue significativo en comparación con otras anastomosis (p<0,001). La longitud del seno coronario fue 42,2 +/- 5,1 mm, su calibre distal fue 13,8 +/- 2 mm y su forma fue cilíndrica. Se encontró puentes miocárdicos en 3 corazones (10,7 %) y en el tercio inferior de la vena cardiaca media (66,6 %). La mayoría de las venas coronarias principales desembocan en el seno coronario, con algunos casos con desembocaduras atípicas y la presencia de un alto porcentaje de anastomosis que sirve para mejorar el drenaje venoso cardiaco en caso de compresión u obstrucción venosa.

Morphometry of the heart orifices and morphometry and topography of the coronary ostia in the goat.

BACKGROUND: The coronary vessels have been described in various species of domestic and wild ruminants. However, no studies on the detailed morphology and morphometry of heart orifices and coronary ostia in the Polish goat are available. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 112 female, adult dairy goats belonging to Polish Fawn Improved and Polish White Improved breed, closely related to French Alpine and Saanen, respectively. RESULTS: In all examined individuals, all heart orifices and heart valves were of normal structure. There was no significant difference between diameter of the aortic and pulmonary orifice. The right atrioventricular opening was significantly wider than the left atrioventricular opening. The dimension of the left coronary ostium ranged from 1.0 to 5.5 mm with the arithmetic mean (± standard deviation [SD]) of 4.3 ± 0.8 mm. The dimension of the right coronary ostium ranged from 0.5 to 5.0 mm with the arithmetic mean (± SD) of 2.8 ± 0.7 mm. Both coronary artery ostia were located under the sinotubular junction. Out of 112 examined goats, 39 (34.8%) had variations in the structure of the coronary ostia such as the lack of main trunk or the presence of additional coronary ostia. They were observed in one (in 34/39 goats) or both coronary arteries (5/39 goats). CONCLUSIONS: In goats, the dimensions of aortic and pulmonary orifices are similar while the right atrioventricular opening outsizes the left one. On the other hand, the left coronary ostium is wider than the right one. Morphological variations in the coronary ostia occur in approximately one third of goats, more often in the right than in the left ostium.

Prevalence of myocardial bridges in the Mexican population: A morphometric and histological analysis.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial bridge (MB) is described as an abnormal band of myocardium covering a variable portion of any coronary artery. METHODS: The current study explores the presence of MB throughout the coronary arterial system and provides a morphometric description through instrumented dissection of a sample of 100 human hearts. The study shows a higher prevalence of MB in the Mexican population than in previous reports. RESULTS: In the total sample (n=100), MB was identified in 96% of it. A total of 421 MBs were observed, with a mean of 4.38mm (±0.28) per dissected heart. The most frequently affected vessel is the anterior interventricular artery where a total of 52 MBs were found, of the total sample studied. DISCUSSION: The high prevalence of MB among Mexican patients could be the result of a genetic association for this population or the neoformation of MB after birth due to lifestyle-associated factors. Further studies are required to better understand the high prevalence of MB among Mexican subjects.

The anatomy of the atrioventricular nodal artery: A meta-analysis with implications for cardiothoracic surgery and ablation procedures.

The objective of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate recent and applicable data regarding the location and variation of the atrioventricular nodal artery (AVNA) in relation to adjacent structures. In order to minimize postoperative risks and maintain physiological anastomosis for proper cardiac function, understanding such possible variations of vascularization of the AV node is of immense importance prior to cardiothoracic surgery as well as ablations. In order to perform this meta-analysis, a systematic search was conducted in which all articles regarding, or at least mentioning, the anatomy of the AVNA was searched. In general, the results were based on 3919 patients. AVNA was found to originate only from the RCA in 82.41% (95% CI: 79.46%-85.18%). The pooled prevalence of AVNA originating only from LCA was found to be 15.25% (95% CI: 12.71%-17.97%). The mean length of AVNA was found to be 22.64 mm (SE = 1.60). The mean maximal diameter of AVNA at its origin was found to be 1.40 mm (SE = 0.14). In conclusion, we believe that this is the most accurate and up-to-date study regarding the highly variable anatomy of the AVNA. The AVNA was found to originate most commonly from the RCA (82.41%). Furthermore, the AVNA was found to most commonly have no (52.46%) or only one branch (33.74%). It is hoped that the results of the present meta-analysis will be helpful for physicians performing cardiothoracic or ablation procedures.

Microcirculatory changes as a hallmark of aging in the heart and kidney / Cambios microcirculatorios como sello distintivo del envejecimiento en el corazón y riñón

SUMMARY: Changes in the microcirculation of multiple tissues and organs have been implicated as a possible mechanism in physiological aging. In particular, vascular endothelial growth factor is a secretory protein responsible for regulating angiogenesis via altering endothelial proliferation, survival, migration, extracellular matrix degradation and cell permeability. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor in the progression of morphological alterations caused by physiological aging in the heart and kidney and to examine its relation to changes in capillary density. We used two age groups of healthy Wistar rats - 6- and 12-month- old. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was examined through immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence and assessed semi-quantitatively. Changes in capillary density were evaluated statistically and correlated with the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. We reported stronger immunoreactivity for vascular endothelial growth factor in the left compared to the right ventricle and also observed an increase in its expression in both ventricles in older animals. Contrasting results were reported for the renal cortex and medulla. Capillary density decreased statistically in all examined structures as aging progressed. The studied correlations were statistically significant in the two ventricles in 12-month-old animals and in the renal cortex of both age groups. Our results shed light on some changes in the microcirculation that take place as aging advances and likely contribute to impairment in the function of the examined organs.

Los cambios en la microcirculación de múltiples tejidos y órganos se han implicado como un posible mecanismo en el envejecimiento fisiológico. En particular, el factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular es una proteína secretora responsable de regular la angiogénesis mediante la alteración de la proliferación endotelial, la supervivencia, la migración, la degradación de la matriz extracelular y la permeabilidad celular. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el papel del factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular en la progresión de las alteraciones morfológicas causadas por el envejecimiento fisiológico en el corazón y riñón y examinar su relación con los cambios en la densidad capilar. Utilizamos dos grupos de ratas Wistar sanas: 6 y 12 meses de edad. La expresión del factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular se examinó mediante inmunohistoquímica e inmunofluorescencia y se evaluó semicuantitativamente. Los cambios en la densidad capilar se evaluaron estadísticamente y se correlacionaron con la expresión del factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular. Informamos una inmunorreactividad más fuerte para el factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular en el ventrículo izquierdo en comparación con el derecho y también observamos un aumento en su expresión en ambos ventrículos en animales mayores. Se informaron resultados contrastantes para la corteza renal y la médula. La densidad capilar disminuyó estadísticamente en todas las estructuras examinadas a medida que avanzaba el envejecimiento. Las correlaciones estudiadas fueron estadísticamente significativas en los dos ventrículos en animales de 12 meses y en la corteza renal de ambos grupos de edad. Nuestros resultados arrojan luz sobre algunos cambios en la microcirculación que tienen lugar a medida que avanza el envejecimiento y probablemente contribuyan a un deterioro en la función de los órganos examinados.

Successful Management of a Very Unusual Coronary Pattern in Transposition of the Great Arteries.

Coronary artery anatomy is the key to a successful arterial switch operation in transposition of the great arteries. We came across an unusual coronary pattern in a child with transposition in which the three major coronary arteries were seen arising from all three aortic sinuses. This coronary pattern is the first of its kind in transposition, and this case report emphasizes the difficulty in translocating such a rare coronary pattern while performing an arterial switch operation.

Investigation of anastomoses between coronary arteries in Akkaraman sheep by plastic injection and corrosion method.

BACKGROUND: Since it is critical to understand the anatomy of the coronary arteries and the anastomoses between them in Akkaraman sheep, the coronary arteries will be examined using a plastic injection and corrosion technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our investigation, researchers used 20 Akkaraman sheep's hearts collected from slaughterhouses in and near Kayseri, and hearts from animals aged 2-3 years were included. The anatomy of the coronary arteries of the hearts was studied by plastic injection and corrosion method. The macroscopically examined patterns of the excised coronary arteries were photographed and recorded. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: This approach indicated arterial vascularisation of the heart in sheep, with a. coronaria dextra and a. coronaria sinistra developing from the commencement of the aorta. It was determined that a. coronaria sinistra, after leaving the initial part of the aorta, proceeds to the left and divides into two branches called r. interventricularis paraconalis and r. circumflexus sinister, forming a right angle between them, immediately after reaching the sulcus coronarius. Anastomosis of the branches of r. distalis atrii dextri with the branches of r. intermedius atrii dextri and r. ventriculi dextri; anastomosis of a thin branch separated from r. proximalis atrii sinistri with the branch of r. proximalis atrii dextri running in the initial part of the aorta; anastomosis of r. distalis atrii sinistri with r. intermedius atrii sinistri were detected. In one heart, the r. septalis protruded roughly 0.2 cm from the beginning of a. coronaria sinistra.

Cardiac computed tomography based analysis of mitral annulus, coronary sinus and left circumflex artery in patients with mitral regurgitation: Implications for transcatheter mitral annuloplasty techniques.

INTRODUCTION: CT imaging analysis of mitral annulus (MA), coronary sinus (CS) and left circumflex artery (LCX) is critical to transcatheter mitral annuloplasty (TMA), which, however, is scantly reported. We aimed to comprehensively assess MA, CS and LCX anatomy and geometry in mitral regurgitation (MR) based on 3-D reconstruction of cardiac CT images. METHODS: Patients with primary or secondary MR and patients without MR were recruited and underwent cardiac CT examination. MR severity was evaluated by echocardiography. 3-D reconstruction of cardiac CT images was done by the Mimics Research 21.0 software. A MA-centered two dimensional coordinate system, a CS plane, a MA plane and a series of auxiliary planes along the posterior MA were created for the measurement of parameters defining MA, CS and LCX anatomy and geometry during the cardiac cycle. RESULTS: The secondary MR group had a significantly higher MA perimeter index than the other two groups during the cardiac cycle. The CS diameters at most sites, and the posterior MA radian were substantially greater in the two MR groups. Distances between the CS and MA at some locations were significant different among the three groups. The secondary MR group had a significantly smaller CS-MA plane angle than the other two groups during systole, and than control group during diastole. The site where the CS crossed LCX was pinpointed. CONCLUSION: The comprehensive information from this study may help improve the results of TMA and enhance the design of devices for a better annuloplasty effect.

Z-score regression model for coronary artery diameter in healthy Chinese Han children.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery distension and aneurysm are complications of Kawasaki disease in children. PURPOSE: To develop a Z-score regression model for coronary artery diameter in children that could be used as reference. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis included children with normal heart structure between March 2013 and April 2017. Body surface area (BSA) was calculated. The diameters of the right coronary, left main coronary, left anterior descending, and circumflex arteries were measured by echocardiography. Pearson correlation analysis was used to establish linear, exponential, logarithmic, power, and square root regression models. RESULTS: The analysis included 509 children (280 boys) aged 1 day to 15.2 years. Coronary artery diameters were significantly correlated with age, height, body mass, BSA, and BSA (r = 0.663-0.826; P < 0.05), with a stronger correlation for BSA than BSA (P < 0.05). The adjusted determination coefficients (Ra2) were higher for the exponential and square root models than for the other models (P < 0.05). The random error term variance was constant for the exponential model (P > 0.05), and processing with the weighted least-square methods eliminated heteroscedasticity in the other models. The Z-scores were normally distributed for the exponential and square root models (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Overall, the square root model was the optimal equation for the calculation of coronary artery Z-score in Chinese Han children. This model could be used to facilitate the diagnosis of coronary artery distension in children with suspected Kawasaki disease.

A study of coronary dominance and its clinical significance.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality especially in the developing countries. The aim of the study was to find out cardiac dominance percentages and its association with coronary artery stenosis among each pattern of dominance. The objectives were to assess coronary vessel morphology of patients within each pattern of dominance, to find if gender differences exist among dominance patterns and also to find the distribution percentages of stenosis among dominance patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four thousand angiograms from patients of Indian origin were studied prospectively after procuring the sanction for the same from the ethical committee of the pre-selected hospitals from four states of South India. Informed consents were obtained. Post coronary artery bypass grafting, post percutaneous coronary intervention patients and patient being diabetic for ≥ 5 years were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Right cardiac dominance was seen in 85.5%, left in 9.7%, and co-dominant in 4.8% cases. The percentages of dominance were almost similar among both genders except for left dominance which were higher among male samples. The diameter of right coronary artery and left circumflex coronary artery coronary arteries were significantly associated with dominance patterns. The prevalence of stenosis was more for left dominance patterns, followed by right dominance patterns and least for co-dominant patterns. CONCLUSIONS: There is a necessity to see association between dominance patterns with the coronary artery disease which can help the interventional cardiologists. The disease patterns in the present study were predominantly in the left dominant or in the co-dominant hearts.

Impact of coronary bifurcation angle on computed tomography derived fractional flow reserve in coronary vessels with no apparent coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: Computed tomography (CT) derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) decreases from the proximal to the distal part due to a variety of factors. The energy loss due to the bifurcation angle may potentially contribute to a progressive decline in FFRCT. However, the association of the bifurcation angle with FFRCT is still not entirely understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of various bifurcation angles on FFRCT decline below the clinically crucial relevance of 0.80 in vessels with no apparent coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: A total of 83 patients who underwent both CT angiography including FFRCT and invasive coronary angiography, exhibiting no apparent CAD were evaluated. ΔFFRCT was defined as the change in FFRCT from the proximal to the distal in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and left circumflex artery (LCX). The bifurcation angle was calculated from three-dimensional volume rendered images. Vessel morphology and plaque characteristics were also assessed. RESULTS: ΔFFRCT significantly correlated with the bifurcation angle (LAD angle, r = 0.35, p = 0.001; LCX angle, r = 0.26, p = 0.02) and vessel length (LAD angle, r = 0.30, p = 0.005; LCX angle, r = 0.49, p < 0.0001). In LAD, vessel length was the strongest predictor for distal FFRCT of ≤ 0.80 (ß-coefficient = 0.55, p = 0.0003), immediately followed by the bifurcation angle (ß-coefficient = 0.24, p = 0.02). The bifurcation angle was a good predictor for a distal FFRCT ≤ 0.80 (LAD angle, cut-off 31.0°, AUC 0.70, sensitivity 74%, specificity 68%; LCX angle, cut-off 52.6°, AUC 0.86, sensitivity 88%, specificity 85%). CONCLUSIONS: In vessels with no apparent CAD, vessel length was the most influential factor on FFRCT, directly followed by the bifurcation angle. KEY POINTS: • Both LAD and LCX bifurcation angles are factors influencing FFR CT. • Bifurcation angle is one of the predictors of a distal FFRCT of ≤ 0.80 and an optimal cut-off value of 31.0° for the LAD and 52.6° for the LCX. • Bifurcation angle should be taken into consideration when interpreting numerical values of FFRCT.

Prevalence of anatomic variants in coronary arteries of Japanese Black cattle.

Coronary artery anomalies that can cause sudden cardiac death have been described in some mammals. However, few studies have investigated coronary anomalies and coronary artery branching patterns in cattle. Therefore, understanding of bovine coronary arteries is incomplete. The aim of this study was to clarify anatomic variants in coronary arteries of Japanese Black cattle. The gross anatomy of the coronary arteries was examined in the hearts of 100 cattle. A total of 14 of 100 hearts exhibited confirmed coronary anomalies in the left main trunk. These 14 hearts were classified into 5 types potentially associated with cardiac ischemia. Regarding the coronary branches, the subsinuosal interventricular branch originated from the left circumflex branch (LCX) in 98 hearts and from the right coronary artery in 2 hearts. The origin of the sinoatrial nodal branch was classified into 3 types. In 99 hearts, the atrioventricular nodal branch originated from the LCX at the heart crux. This study characterized the prevalence of coronary anomalies, branching patterns of coronary arteries, and coronary artery anatomic variants in Japanese Black cattle.

Arterial switch operation with coronary button extension and neo-pulmonary trunk realignment for a rare coronary pattern.

Coronary anatomy is key for arterial switch operations as reimplantation for coronary artery patterns originating from the same sinus is often challenging. We experienced an extremely rare coronary artery anatomy case (Leiden convention: 1 R, 1LCx) and successfully performed an arterial switch operation with coronary button extension and neo-pulmonary trunk realignment maneuver.

Morphological importance of coronary ostia in equine.

The position of the coronary ostia was investigated in 70 segments of the aorta from young adult crossbred horses. After fixation with a 4% buffered aqueous formaldehyde solution and cautious dissection of the aortic bulb, the morphometric relationships between the coronary ostium and the aortic valvar elements were digitally analysed with the support of Image-Pro Plus® software. In horses, the left coronary ostium was near to the right valvular commissure in all cases (100%) analysed in this study. The left coronary ostium was at the level of the intercommissural line in 57.1% and below it in 42.9%. The right coronary ostium was near to the left valvular commissure in 58.6% (2.14 ± 0.32 cm) and close to the right valvular commissure in 41.4% (2.27 ± 0.40 cm). Concerning the intercommissural line, the right coronary ostia was at its level in 24.3% and below it in 75.7%. Accessory coronary ostia were observed in 8.6% of the specimens. In view of the results, it was possible to assume that the positions of the coronary ostia in equines tend towards a standard morphological disposition. Thus, perfusion of the left coronary artery occurs partly more frequently in ventricular systole and complete perfusion occurs less frequently in ventricular diastole. For the right coronary artery, perfusion is mostly complete in diastole and partially in ventricular systole.

Morphological importance of coronary ostia in sheep and swine.

The aortic valve was investigated in 58 sheep and 60 swine without heart disease. After fixation in 4% formalin, the distance between the ostia and the elements of the right/left aortic sinuses was measured. For the left coronary ostium (LCO), it was found that in sheep 81% were below and 19% at the level of intercomissural line (IL). In pigs, 88.3% were below and 11.7% at the IL level. In sheep, the OCL was close to the right valve commissure (CVR) in 98.3% and close to the left valve commissure (CVV) in 1.7%. In pigs, it was close to RVC at 83.3% and close to LVC at 16.7%. Regarding to RCO, it was found that in sheep 69% was below, 1.7% was above and 29.3% at the IL level. In pigs, 20% were below, 15% above and 65% at the IL level. The distance of the RCO in relation to the valve commissures was 56.9% close to LVC and 43.1% close to RVC in sheep. In pigs, 81.7% were close to LVC and 18.3% close to RVC. The position of LCO was balanced between sheep and swine, while the RCO in swine was closer to CVE when compared with sheep. The accessory coronary ostium was observed in 18.6% of sheep and 10% of pigs. Thus, it is concluded that in sheep and swine the left coronary artery is perfused only in ventricular diastole. Perfusion of the right coronary artery occurs more frequently in diastole and less frequently in ventricular systole.