Study of Branching Pattern of Right Coronary Artery and Morphometric Benchmarks

Aim: The aim of this study was to meticulously dissect and analyze the branching patterns of the right coronary artery (RCA) in 50 formalin-fixed adult human cadaveric heart specimens. This investigation sought to document the prevalence of normal anatomy versus variations. Materials and Methods: Fifty adult human hearts from both sexes, aged 30-70 years (mean 52±10), were formalin-fixed and dissected under magnification after removing pericardium and epicardial fat. RCA was traced from its ostium in the right aortic sinus along the right atrioventricular groove to termination at the crux. Branches were identified, measured (length, diameter using digital caliper), photographed, and classified. Variations like myocardial bridging, duplication noted. Data tabulated, analyzed via SPSS v26 (chi-square, frequencies). Results: Right dominance predominated in 42/50 (84%) specimens, co-dominance in 6/50 (12%), left in 2/50 (4%). SANA originated from RCA in 40/50 (80%), conus artery in 35/50 (70%). AMA present in 48/50 (96%), single in 90%, double in 8%. PDA from RCA in 84%, posterolateral branches averaged 2.1±0.8. Variations: early branching 10%, bridging 4%. No ectopic origins observed. Mean RCA length 10.2±2.1 cm, diameter 3.5±0.6 mm. Conclusion: This study affirms RCA's predominant right dominance (84%) and consistent branching (SANA 80%, AMA 96%) in central Indian cadavers, aligning with global trends but highlighting higher co-dominance than some Western cohorts. Such data underscores the need for preoperative imaging to navigate variations, potentially lowering CABG/PCI risks. Future multi-center studies with larger samples and angiography correlation recommended.