Abstract:
Introduction: The aim of this study was to establish the most
accurate and up-to-date anatomical knowledge of PVs ostia variations,
diameters and ostial area, in order to provide physicians, especially
heart and thoracic surgeons with exact knowledge concerning this area.Materials and methods: Major online medical databases such as
PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched
to gather all studies in which the variations, maximal diameter and
ostial area of the PVs were investigated. During the study, the
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
(PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Additionally, The Critical Appraisal
Tool for Anatomical Meta-analysis (CATAM) was used to provide the
highest quality findings.Reults: The most common ostia variation is classical one,
containing left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV), left inferior pulmonary
vein (LIPV), right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV) and right inferior
pulmonary vein (RIPV). Mean diameters and ostial areas of each pulmonary
vein were established in general population and in multiple variations
considering method of gathering the data and geographical location.Conclusion: Significant variability in PV ostia is observed.
Left-sided PVs have smaller ostia than corresponding right-sided PVs,
and the inferior PVs ostia are smaller than superior. The size of the
LCPV ostium is the largest among all analyzed veins, while the ostium of
RMPV is the smallest. It is hoped that the results from this
meta-analysis will help clinicians in planning and performing procedures
that involve pulmonary and cardiac area.
Key Words: pulmonary veins variations, pulmonary veins ostia,
pulmonary veins diameter, atrial fibrillation, catheter ablation.