Study of Arterial supply to Sinoatrial Node in Normal Human Hearts

Abstract

Introduction: The arterial supply to Sino-Atrial Node (SA Node) and its variations is of great importance in increasing use of cardiac interventional procedures. Aim and objective: The aim of present study is to analyze the arterial supply of SA node. Materials and Methods: Fifty-five human hearts, fixed in the formalin solution were dissected and artery to SA node was traced. Results: Out of 55 cases, SA nodal artery originated from right coronary artery (RCA) in 64%, left circumflex artery (LCX) in 34% and 2% from both. S-shaped SA nodal artery was seen in 2 cases. In most of the specimens (42 out of 55) SA nodal artery formed a ring around superior vena cava and in all the cases, the branches of SA nodal artery supplied to both atria and auricle based on the origin either from RCA or LCX. Conclusion: Variations in arterial supply to SA node will be helpful to interventional cardiac surgeons.