Anatomy of valves of the coronary venous system and great cardiac vein: implications for interventional cardiology

Dave, Vandana; Gaur, Samta; Mehta, Vandana; Ahuja, Manish Singh

doi:10.61186/rabms.11.2.139

Volume 11, Issue 2 (4-2025) Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences 2025, 11(2): 139-146 | Back to browse issues page

‎ 10.61186/rabms.11.2.139

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Dave V, Gaur S, Mehta V, Ahuja M S. Anatomy of valves of the coronary venous system and great cardiac vein: implications for interventional cardiology. Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences 2025; 11 (2) :139-146
URL: http://ijrabms.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-376-en.html

Anatomy of valves of the coronary venous system and great cardiac vein: implications for interventional cardiology

Vandana Dave ^*

, Samta Gaur

, Vandana Mehta

, Manish Singh Ahuja

Assistant professor, Department of Anatomy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita School of Medicine, Faridabad , daveveenu@gmail.com

Abstract: (295 Views)

Background & Aims: The coronary venous system is an emerging field of interest for cardiologists with advancement of the electrophysiological procedures. Transcatheter coronary sinus interventional therapy is a promising method to treat coronary heart diseases. Thebesian valve (TV), Vieussens valve (Vv), and bend of the great cardiac vein (GCV) are commonly encountered obstacles in the passage of catheter. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the factors causing complications and obstruction to coronary venous catheterization.
Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, we examined 110 formalin-fixed cadaveric hearts. The height of TV, the transverse and craniocaudal diameter of coronary sinus ostium (CSO), length, diameter, and angle of bend of GCV were measured. The presence or absence of Vv was noted. The morphological characteristics of TV and the percentage of CSO coverage by TV were recorded.
Results: The TV and Vv were observed in 91 (82.7%) and 59 (53.63%) specimens respectively. Remnant (8.2%), semilunar (52.1%), fold (10%), cord (3.6%), and fenestrated (8.2%) morphologies of TV were reported. In 16 (20.5%) hearts, Thebesian valve was covering more than 75% of CSO. Hearts with larger diameter of CSO presented smaller height of TV. The mean length and diameter of GCV were measured as 135.1 ± 31.6 mm and 4.31 ± 1.44 mm respectively. The mean angle of bend of GCV was calculated as 104.1 degrees. The acute angle was observed in 3.6% of specimens.
Conclusion: Knowledge of the obstructive anatomical structures and their variations can be helpful in the optimization of a more suitable invasive technique for invasive cardiology.

Keywords: Coronary sinus, Great cardiac vein, Thebesian valve, Vieussens valve

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Type of Study: orginal article | Subject: Special

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