Ces radiol. 2007, 61(1):91-96

Coronary Veins Imaging Using Multidetector CT-Angiography - Coronary Sinus Ostium Diameter and Transvenous Left Ventricle Stimulation FeasibilityOriginal article

Jiří Weichet¹, J. Škoda², Jan Balák¹, Miloš Táborský²

¹ Oddělení radiodiagnostiky Nemocnice Na Homolce, Praha

² Oddělení kardiologie Nemocnice Na Homolce, Praha

Aim: To retrospectively assess the feasibility of left ventricle stimulation electrode placement with regard to anatomy of coronary veins and sinus.

Method: Within a 12-month period, CT-angiography of coronary sinus (CS) and coronary veins was performed in 30 patients scheduled for biventricular cardiac stimulation. Coronary sinus morphology and diameter in group of successful (n = 20) and unsuccessful (n = 10) transvenous left ventricle electrode implantation was studied. The examinations were performed using 16-detector-row CT scanner, with 0.75 mm collimation and retrospective ECG gating. Diameters of CS ostium were measured in craniocaudal and ventrodorsal diameter.

Results: Diameters of CS ostium in unsuccessful implantation group were 11,4 ± 1,9 mm and 8,4 ± 2,3 mm (craniocaudal and ventrodorsal diameter, respectively), in successful implantation group the diameters were 14,9 ± 2,8 mm and 11,9 ± 2,1 mm. The difference between both groups was statistically significant. Sligthly larger diameter of vena cordis magna and its suitable terminal venous branch was measured in sucessful implantation group, but it was not statistically significant. Major angulation of the CS (n = 4) and absence of venous branches suitable for electrode implantation (n = 3) were noted in unsuccessful implantation group only.

Conclusion: Coronary venous system anatomy assessment using multislice CT-angiography may predict success of transvenous left ventricle stimulation electrode placement.

Keywords: biventricular stimulation, CT-angiography, coronary sinus, computed tomography

Accepted: June 30, 2006; Published: March 1, 2007  Show citation