Pericardial sinus

Diagram of the pericardial sinuses.

The pericardial sinus refers to the spaces or recesses within the pericardium, the double-walled sac containing the heart and the roots of the great vessels. These sinuses are important anatomical features that are considered during cardiac surgery and other medical procedures involving the heart.

Anatomy

The pericardial sinuses are formed by the reflection of the serous pericardium around the great vessels. There are two main pericardial sinuses:

Transverse Pericardial Sinus

The transverse pericardial sinus is a passage that lies between the aorta and pulmonary trunk anteriorly and the superior vena cava posteriorly. It is an important landmark for surgeons, especially during procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), as it allows for the isolation of the aorta and pulmonary trunk.

Oblique Pericardial Sinus

The oblique pericardial sinus is a cul-de-sac located posterior to the heart. It is bounded by the reflection of the serous pericardium around the pulmonary veins and the inferior vena cava. This sinus is less clinically significant than the transverse sinus but is still an important anatomical feature.

Clinical Significance

The pericardial sinuses are of particular interest in cardiac surgery. The transverse pericardial sinus is used to identify and control the great vessels during surgical procedures. Understanding the anatomy of these sinuses is crucial for avoiding complications during surgery.

Related Pages

• Pericardium
• Heart
• Cardiac surgery
• Coronary artery bypass grafting