Rca heart
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "rca heart"
Right Coronary Artery (RCA): Anatomy, Variability, and Clinical Implications
RCA Anatomy and Morphometric Analysis
The right coronary artery (RCA) is a critical component of the coronary circulation, supplying blood to various parts of the heart. Anatomical studies have shown significant variability in the RCA's structure and branching patterns. In a study of 221 fresh hearts, the RCA's proximal segment had an average diameter of 3.42 mm, while at the acute angle of the heart, it measured 2.9 mm3. The RCA typically terminates between the crux cordis and the left margin in 75.6% of cases, and the posterior interventricular artery (PIA) reaches the inferior third or apex in 67.4% of specimens3. Similar findings were observed in a study of Vietnamese cadavers, where the RCA had a mean diameter of 4.21 mm and a length of 122.5 mm, terminating between the crux and left border in 72% of cases7.
RCA Variability and Clinical Implications
The RCA's anatomical variability has significant clinical implications, particularly in surgical procedures and the management of coronary artery disease (CAD). For instance, the sinoatrial node artery (SNA) originates from the RCA in 60.6% of cases, while in 34.9%, it arises from the circumflex artery (CxA)3. This variability can affect hemodynamic procedures and cardiac surgeries, necessitating a thorough understanding of individual anatomical differences3 7.
RCA in Non-Human Primates
Studies on non-human primates, such as Cercopithecus aethiops, have shown that the RCA's anatomy closely resembles that of humans. The RCA orifice is usually situated in the middle part of the right aortic sinus, and the long RCA type is the most frequent finding5. This similarity underscores the potential of using non-human primates as models for studying human coronary artery diseases.
RCA and Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a major cause of cardiovascular disease, and the RCA is often affected due to its anatomical features. A study examining the distribution of intimal and medial thickening in human RCAs found that 71% of proximal sections displayed eccentric intimal thickening, primarily on the myocardial side of the artery1. This thickening is believed to result from shear and tensile stresses at arterial bifurcations, leading to atherosclerosis1.
Robotic Beating-Heart TECAB for RCA Disease
Robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) has emerged as a feasible technique for treating isolated RCA disease. In a series of 16 patients, robotic beating-heart TECAB was successfully performed without conversion to sternotomy or mini-thoracotomy, demonstrating its potential as a minimally invasive surgical option2. The mean procedure time was 223 minutes, and no mortality was observed at a mean follow-up of 20.6 months2.
Ex-Vivo Vascular Bioreactor for RCA Studies
Ex-vivo systems have been developed to study the viability of coronary arteries, including the RCA. In one study, porcine RCAs were cultured in a vascular bioreactor, maintaining their physiological morphology for up to 9 days4. This model provides a valuable tool for testing vascular therapies and devices, bridging the gap between in-vitro and in-vivo studies4.
Conclusion
The right coronary artery exhibits significant anatomical variability, which has important implications for clinical practice, particularly in surgical procedures and the management of coronary artery disease. Understanding these variations is crucial for improving patient outcomes and advancing cardiovascular research.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Distribution of intimal and medial thickening in the human right coronary artery: a study of 17 RCAs.
Eccentric intimal thickening occurs in the proximal region of the human right coronary artery, with maximum thickness on the myocardial side, and also occurs in the acute margin and distal regions, but no distinct pattern or location was evident.
In Vitro StudyRobotic totally endoscopic beating-heart bypass to the right coronary artery: first worldwide experience.
Robotic beating-heart TECAB is a feasible and effective treatment for isolated right coronary artery disease, even for the posterior descending artery.
Rigorous JournalRight coronary artery anatomy: anatomical and morphometric analysis.
Colombian right coronary artery anatomy is less variable than previously reported, with a lesser caliber and higher frequency of posterior right diagonal artery.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalAbstract 14766: Development of an Ex-Vivo Vascular Bioreactor to Investigate Viability of Coronary Arteries
The ex-vivo vascular bioreactor effectively maintains coronary artery viability and morphology up to 9 days, making it a useful tool for testing vascular therapies and devices.
Rigorous JournalRight coronary artery in Cercopithecus aethiops sabeus
The anatomy and branching patterns of the right coronary artery in monkey hearts are very similar to those in humans.
SYMPTOMATIC DOUBLE RIGHT CORONARY ARTERY WITH INFERIOR WALL ISCHEMIA
Double right coronary artery with inferior wall ischemia was overlooked during left heart catheterization for chest pain evaluation, potentially leading to missed diagnosis.
Case ReportA morphometric anatomical study of the right coronary artery in Vietnamese
The right coronary artery in Vietnamese hearts shows morphometric variations, which can cause difficulties in imaging interpretation and intervention procedures.
Can we accept donors who have suffered a resuscitated cardiac arrest?
Patients receiving hearts from donors who have undergone resuscitated cardiac arrest have similar outcomes to other heart transplant patients.
Observational StudyOrigin of Right Coronary Artery (RCA): A Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) Coronary Angiographic (CA) Study in North India
The most common origin of Right Coronary Artery is from Anterior Aortic Sinus, with anomalous origin seen only from Left Posterior Aortic Sinus in male subjects.
Observational StudyCase report: a common trunk of the coronary arteries
A rare variant left coronary artery with a common stem is extremely rare, but its recognition and angiographic demonstration are crucial for patients undergoing coronary artery surgery or prosthetic valve replacement.
Case ReportRigorous Journal