Abstract
An: 2015, Nr.2, Articol Nr. 12
Title: 
THE VENOUS DRAINAGE OF THE MYOCARDIUM – A REVIEW
Authors: 
O. Enciu, C.M. Pantu, Al.T. Ispas, F.M. Filipoiu, R. Stănciulescu - University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, General Medicine Faculty, Department of Anatomy
A. Miron - University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, General Medicine Faculty, Department of General Surgery
THE VENOUS DRAINAGE OF THE MYOCARDIUM – A REVIEW (Abstract): The investigation of the venous drainage of the heart was overshadowed until recently by numerous studies of the coronary arteries. The clinical significance of the coronary veins should not be underestimated. The advent of interventional cardiology, cardiac pacing, trans-coronary ablation and not least percutaneous trans-coronary mitral annuloplasty brought the veins of the heart in focus. Delivery of retrograde cardioplegia during cardiac surgery is another procedure that uses the veins of the heart. The safety and efficiencyof these maneuvers require detailed knowledge of anatomy and function. The literature material for these veins is not abundant and a clinically useful classification is not evident. The cardiac venous system is formed by highly variable veins. The most straightforward classification divides the cardiac venous system into the great cardiac venous system and the lesser cardiac venous system – the thebesian vessels. Moreover the great cardiac venous system consists of tributaries of the coronary sinus and non-coronary tributaries. The purpose of this review is to explore and describe the venous drainage of the myocardium, its variations and clinical implications using the most relevant papers up to date.
Key words: CORONARY VEINS, CORONARY SINUS, INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY