The Study of Number of Ostia, Inner and Outer Diameters of Coronary Arteries at Their Origin in Human Heart: A Cadeveric Study

Objectives: Coronary artery disease is one of the major causes of death worldwide The incidence of coronary artery disease is increasing today in developing countries, because of sedentary lifestyle, urbanization, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and increased type A personality. The increasing use of diagnostic and therapeutic interventional procedures requires a sound, basic knowledge of the coronary artery pattern. This study is undertaken to know the number of ostia, inner and outer diameters of coronary arteries at their origin. Materials and method: Heart specimens were collected from cadavers during routine dissection classes conducted by the department of anatomy and preserved in 5 % formalin. Ostia of Coronary arteries were identified carefully by underwater dissection method and inner and outer diameter of coronary arteries was measured using digital vernier caliper. Results: Among the 30 hearts studied, 27 hearts showed 2 ostia, one in anterior aortic sinus for right coronary artery and one in left posterior aortic sinus for left coronary artery. Three hearts showed 3 ostia. Two in anterior aortic sinus, one for right coronary and one for right conus artery (third coronary artery). Ostium diameter and outer diameter of left coronary artery were 2.67+/- 0.44 and 4.28+/- 0.90 respectively and ostium diameter and outer diameter of right coronary artery were 2.49+/-0.28 and 4.01+/-0.48 respectively. In all the specimens ostium for right coronary artery was below the supravalvular ridge. In 86.6 % of specimens the position of ostia for left coronary artery was present below the supravalvular ridge, in 13.3 % of specimens the ostia was at the supravalvular ridge. Interpretation and conclusion: Variations of coronary arteries are common. A thorough knowledge of coronary arteries will be helpful to the cardiologists and radiologists to predefine the abnormalities by invasive and non invasive studies.