Conal Branch of the Right Coronary Artery, Anterior View

Description

Arising from the proximal right coronary artery at the level of the right aortic sinus, the conal branch (infundibular artery) courses anteriorly across the right ventricular outflow tract toward the pulmonary trunk. It runs on the epicardial surface, superficial to the myocardium and deep to the visceral pericardium, with small arteriolar twigs spreading over the conus arteriosus. In an anterior projection, the vessel sits superior to the acute margin of the right ventricle and lateral to the ascending aorta, often approaching the anterior interventricular sulcus where it may anastomose with a conal branch from the left coronary system (circle of Vieussens). Small vessel. Big landmark. Early branching anatomy of the right coronary artery matters in acute coronary syndromes and in procedures that involve the right ventricular outflow tract. The conal branch supplies the infundibulum and can contribute to collateral flow to the proximal left anterior descending artery, a pattern that helps explain preserved anterior wall perfusion in some proximal LAD occlusions. Interventionalists also meet this artery during diagnostic coronary angiography (where it can be mistaken for an early RV branch) and during surgical manipulation near the pulmonary root, including congenital repairs and repeat sternotomy when anterior epicardial vessels lie close to the pericardial reflection. Use this asset for gross anatomy and cardiothoracic teaching on coronary surface anatomy, for cardiology texts discussing proximal RCA variants, and for clinical diagrams accompanying angiography, CABG planning, or RVOT-focused electrophysiology content. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.