The sinus node artery: anatomic investigations based on injection-corrosion of 60 sheep hearts

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sinus node artery in the sheep heart to establish adequate baseline information for use in cardiovascular research, and to compare this information with similar data for man. The coronary arteries were exposed by using injection-corrosion casting technique in 60 sheep hearts. Polyester and diluted sulfuric acid were used. When the corrosion was completed, the specimens were photographed. The sinus node artery was single in 59 specimens, and double in one specimen. The artery originated from the right coronary artery (in 42 specimens), left coronary artery (in 16 specimens), and right aortic sinus (in 1 specimen). In the majority of specimens, sinus node artery corresponded to the right superior (anterior) atrial artery. Pericaval termination was common. Mean measurements about the sinus node artery were tabulated. According to the present study, we can state that the sinus node artery in sheep heart is similar to that of humans. Because of the importance of animal research, we suggest that experimental surgical studies of the sinus node artery should be performed on the sheep heart.

Successful Treatment of Ischemic Dysfunction of the Sinus Node with Thrombolytic Therapy: A Case Report

“…The SN has an abundant arterial supply and is generally resistant to ischemia10). The prognosis of acute ischemic injury to the SN is not completely understood in human patients.…”

“…The SN is a mass of pace-making cells with higher metabolic requirements than other cells surrounding the atrial myocardium 9) . The SN has an abundant arterial supply and is generally resistant to ischemia 10) . The prognosis of acute ischemic injury to the SN is not completely understood in human patients.…”