Coronary arterial anastomoses. Study of their distribution in adult hearts specially emphasizing the Crista supraventricularis

After examining 100 hearts belonging to subjects who at the time of death had no record of coronariopathy, the presence of anastomoses between the 2 coronary systems was confirmed in 96% of the cases. Intramyocardial anastomoses located in the Crista supraventricularis accounted for 76% of the cases, 4 main types are described. The fact that crestal anastomoses always connect both coronary systems (even in cases of left dominance) is their most outstanding characteristic. The possible usefulness of this type of anastomoses was finally discussed. It was suggested that they might serve as a safety mechanism which would join areas severely affected by arteriosclerosis to others not so seriously damaged.