Vessel
Anterior cardiac veins
Right ventricular veins with direct atrial drainage
High-yield
Anterior cardiac veins and the anterior interventricular vein are different: the former drain directly to the right atrium, while the latter usually joins the great cardiac route.
Overview
Several small veins collect blood from the anterior right ventricular wall and cross toward the right atrium. Their direct atrial drainage bypasses the coronary sinus, illustrating why that sinus does not carry all myocardial venous return.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Veins of the anterior right ventricular myocardium
- Course
- Across the right AV junction toward atrial openings
- Branches
- Variable small ventricular tributaries, sometimes communicating with marginal veins
- Supplies
- Drain the right ventricular wall; they do not provide arterial supply
- Drains to
- Direct right atrial openings, bypassing the coronary sinus
Clinical correlation
These channels explain a normal route of myocardial drainage outside the coronary sinus. Their variable position and connections matter when the right ventricular surface is examined or operated on.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the anterior cardiac veins originate?
The anterior cardiac veins arise from the veins of the anterior right ventricular myocardium.
What territory do the anterior cardiac veins serve?
Drain the right ventricular wall; they do not provide arterial supply.
Where do the anterior cardiac veins drain to?
The anterior cardiac veins drain to the direct right atrial openings, bypassing the coronary sinus.
What are the branches of the anterior cardiac veins?
Branches of the anterior cardiac veins include the variable small ventricular tributaries, sometimes communicating with marginal veins.