Right Marginal Vein of the Heart

Description

Shown from the right anterolateral aspect, the right marginal vein (vena marginalis dextra) courses along the acute margin of the heart on the surface of the right ventricle, ascending toward the coronary sulcus. It parallels the right marginal artery and lies superficial to the ventricular myocardium within epicardial fat, with small venules converging from the anterior and inferior walls of the right ventricle. Superiorly, the vessel typically drains into the small cardiac vein and then the coronary sinus, with the right atrium positioned medial and slightly posterior to this venous pathway. This is a practical view for teaching coronary venous anatomy because the right marginal vein marks the acute border and helps orient the right ventricle during surface inspection and operative exposure. In coronary artery bypass grafting and right ventricular procedures, surgeons often use the right marginal artery as a landmark, and the accompanying vein is one of the structures at risk during epicardial dissection and traction at the acute margin. Small cardiac vein variants are common, so seeing the right marginal vein in context helps when correlating anatomy with intraoperative findings and CT coronary venography. Use this artwork in cardiothoracic surgery atlases, coronary circulation lectures for medical and PA programs, and figures accompanying discussions of coronary sinus tributaries or venous access planning for electrophysiology. It also fits well in patient-facing materials that explain coronary vessels while keeping the venous and arterial trees visually distinct. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.