Vessel
Middle cardiac vein
The venous channel in the inferior interventricular groove
High-yield
The middle cardiac vein is associated with the posterior interventricular groove, whereas the sinus follows the AV groove.
Overview
Also called the posterior or inferior interventricular vein, the middle cardiac vein courses from the apical region toward the cardiac crux. It accompanies the inferior interventricular groove and generally joins the coronary sinus near its right atrial end.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Venous tributaries near the apex and inferior ventricular surfaces
- Course
- Along the posterior interventricular groove toward the crux
- Branches
- Inferior ventricular and septal venous tributaries
- Supplies
- Returns myocardial venous blood rather than supplying oxygenated arterial blood
- Drains to
- Usually the coronary sinus close to its atrial opening; separate or variant terminations can occur
Clinical correlation
The middle cardiac vein and its branches can be relevant to ventricular electrophysiology procedures. Its entry and side branches vary, so the name alone does not predict an available access route.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the middle cardiac vein originate?
The middle cardiac vein arises from the venous tributaries near the apex and inferior ventricular surfaces.
What does the middle cardiac vein supply?
The middle cardiac vein supplies the returns myocardial venous blood rather than supplying oxygenated arterial blood.
Where does the middle cardiac vein drain to?
Usually the coronary sinus close to its atrial opening; separate or variant terminations can occur.
What are the branches of the middle cardiac vein?
Inferior ventricular and septal venous tributaries.