Anterior Interventricular Artery

Origin

There are two main branches of the left coronary artery, the circumflex and anterior interventricular branches. The anterior interventricular branch is often considered a continuation of the left coronary artery.

Course

The anterior interventricular branch of the left coronary artery descends within the anterior interventricular groove and is accompanied by the great cardiac vein. This artery usually reaches the apex, but it may extend beyond the apex to the posterior (inferior) aspect of the heart. Here, it meets the terminal portion of the posterior interventricular artery.

Branches

The right and left anterior ventricular arteries are branches of the anterior interventricular branch of the left coronary artery. The right branches are small and few, but the left branches are large and course obliquely across the left-hand side of the heart. One particular branch on the left is the diagonal artery which is described separately. In addition, several septal branches course along the interventricular septum to supply the anterior two-thirds of the septum as well as the atrioventricular bundle. Occasionally there is a left conal branch which anastomoses with the conal branch of the right coronary artery.

Supplied Structures

The anterior interventricular branch of left coronary artery supplies the adjacent portions of right and left ventricle. It also supplies the anterior two thirds of the interventricular septum as well as the atrioventricular bundle.

List of Clinical Correlates

- Coronary artery disease

- Coronary atherosclerosis

- Coronary bypass graft

- Coronary angioplasty

- Coronary occlusion

- Coronary revascularization

- Coronary artery fistula