Middle cardiac vein
Vena media cordis
- Latin synonym: Vena cardiaca media; Vena interventricularis inferior; Vena interventricularis posterior
- Synonym: Inferior interventricular vein; Posterior interventricular vein
- Related terms: Middle cardiac vein; Posterior interventricular vein
Definition
The middle cardiac vein (Posterior interventricular vein) is a major tributary of the coronary sinus that runs along the inferior interventricular groove, parallel to the inferior interventricular artery (posterior descending artery (PDA)).
The vein courses from the cardiac apex along the posterior interventricular groove toward the base of the heart, where it empties into the coronary sinus close to its orifice in the right atrium. It drains the posterior and apical walls of the left ventricle, right ventricle, and interventricular septum.
The middle cardiac vein is present in 100% of individuals and is one of the two most consistently present branches of the coronary venous system (along with the great cardiac vein). It measures 2.0-5.3 mm in diameter and has an ostial valve present in approximately 60% of cases.
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