STUDY OF CORONARY OSTIA, THEIR VARIATIONS & CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE .

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:
Dr. Rupa Chhaparwal,
T. 102 Shalimar Town ship,
Behind Satya Sai, AB Road,
Indore-452001
Madhya Pradesh, India
E-mail: cdrupa29@gmail.com

ABSTRACT: Anomalies of the coronary ostia are of great practical significance than those of coronary arterial distribution. High degree of association exists between anomalies of the coronary ostia and other congenital cardiovascular defects. Detailed knowledge and awareness of the anatomical variations in ostia of coronary artery and its major blood vessels may help to overcome potential difficulties in certain cardiosurgical procedures. A cadaveric study in an unsuspected population provides a basis for understanding the normal variants, which may facilitate determination of the prevalence of anomalies and evaluation of the value of screening for such anomalies. METHODS: The study was carried out on 30 embalmed hearts in the department of anatomy SAIMS. Numbers of ostia, position of the ostia within each aortic sinus with reference to the sinutubular [ST] ridge and the upper margin of cusps were noted. The height of the cusps and the coronary ostia were measured from the bottom of the aortic sinuses [nadir] with the help of a digital vernier caliper. Positions of the ostia were also observed with reference to the commissures. RESULTS: The number of Ostia in the various Aortic sinuses ranges from 1to 3. No openings were found in Right Posterior Aortic Sinus. In majority cases the position of Coronary Ostia is above the Upper margin of cusps (95%). In 80% cases the position of Coronary Ostia is below the Sinu-tubular ridge. In 63% cases ostial openings were centrally located. The Left cusps were found to have greater height as compared to Right cusps. The height of Left coronary ostia was at higher level (15.65 mm). CONCLUSION: Variant anatomy of the ostia of the coronary artery, its detailed knowledge and awareness of major blood vessels may help to overcome potential difficulties in certain cardiosurgical procedures.

KEYWORDS: Coronary Ostium, Aortic Cusp, Aortic Sinus, Commissure.