Introduction: Radiofrequency catheter ablation carried out in the vicinity of the triangle of Koch risks damaging not only the AV conduction tissues but also their arterial supply. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of the AV nodal artery to the inferior pyramidal space, the triangle of Koch, and the right atrial endocardial surface.
Methods and results: We studied 41 heart specimens, 24 by gross dissections and 17 by histologic sections. The proximity of the AV nodal artery to the surface landmarks of the triangle of Koch was variable, but it was notable that in 75% of specimens the artery passed close to the endocardial surface of the right atrium and within 0.5 to 5 mm of the mouth of the coronary sinus. In all specimens, the mean distance of the artery to the endocardial surface was 3.5 +/- 1.5 mm at the base of Koch's triangle. The location of the compact AV node and its inferior extensions varied within the landmarks of the triangle. At the mid-level of Koch's triangle, the compact node was medially situated in 82% of specimens, but it was closer to the hinge of the tricuspid valve in the remaining 18% of specimens. In 12% of specimens, the inferior parts of the node extended to the level of the mouth of the coronary sinus.
Conclusion: The nodal artery runs close to the orifice of the coronary sinus, the endocardial surface of the right atrium, the middle cardiac vein, and the specialized conduction tissues in most hearts. The nodal artery and/or the AV conduction tissues can be at risk of damage when ablative procedures are carried out at the base of the triangle of Koch.