부산대학교 도서관

Introduction: The nowadays development of imagistic tools allow an unprecedented accuracy in nonivasive characterization of cardiac vessel anatomy, with great impact in percutaneous interventions and coronary artery surgical procedures. Aim: To better understand the variation in the heart's vessel and its correlation with the current clinical practice. Method: Systematic review of the English language literature, between 1980-2014, searching for studies describing the anatomical variation in the distribution of the arteries, veins and lymphatics of the human heart. Results: The coronary arteries distribution may vary in as much as two thirds of population, with a wide area of morphological variations, from variants to benign or malignant anomalies. The anatomy of the coronary sinus and its branches has begun to attract more attention, due to the fact that it represent the gateway for cardiac resyncronization therapy. The physiopathological disturbances in cardiac lymphatic drainage seems to be strongly correlated with various heart pathologies. Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware about the anatomical variations in cardiac vessels distribution, with significant implications for minimally invasive cardiac procedures. Correct interpretation of the Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Angiography requires a thorough understanding of normal anatomy, normal variants and anomalies of the heart vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]