Vessel
Anterior interventricular artery (LAD)
The anterior descending branch of the left coronary system
High-yield
Septal perforators and diagonal branches supply different parts of the LAD territory: septum and ventricular surface, respectively.
Overview
Also called the LAD, this artery follows the anterior interventricular groove toward the apex. Septal branches penetrate the septum, while diagonal branches spread over the left ventricular surface. Its distal reach and the size of its branches vary.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually a major division of the left main coronary stem
- Course
- Along the anterior interventricular groove toward the apex, with variable extension beyond it
- Branches
- Septal perforators and diagonal ventricular branches
- Supplies
- Anterior left ventricular and septal myocardium, including much of the ventricular conducting system's arterial territory
- Drains to
- The supplied region returns blood through the great cardiac vein and other connected venous channels
Clinical correlation
An LAD obstruction can injure anterior or septal myocardium. A proximal lesion may jeopardize more tissue than a distal lesion, but the affected area depends on the individual branching pattern and collateral flow.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the anterior interventricular artery (LAD) originate?
Usually a major division of the left main coronary stem.
What does the anterior interventricular artery (LAD) supply?
Anterior left ventricular and septal myocardium, including much of the ventricular conducting system's arterial territory.
Where does blood from the anterior interventricular artery (LAD) go?
The supplied region returns blood through the great cardiac vein and other connected venous channels.
What are the branches of the anterior interventricular artery (LAD)?
Branches of the anterior interventricular artery (LAD) include the septal perforators and diagonal ventricular branches.