Left anterior descending artery
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Template:Infobox Artery
Synonyms and keywords: LAD, anterior interventricular branch of the left coronary artery, anterior descending branch
Overview
LAD Description
The LAD passes at first behind the pulmonary artery and then comes forward between that vessel and the left auricula to reach the anterior interventricular sulcus, along which it descends to the incisura apicis cordis.
In 78% of cases, it reaches the apex of the heart.
The LAD gives off two types of branches: septals and diagonals.
- Septals originate from the LAD at 90 degrees to the surface of the heart, perforating and supplying the intraventricular septum.
- Diagonals run along the surface of the heart and supply the lateral wall of the LV and the anterolateral papillary muscle.
LAD Segments
The LAD can be divided into three main segments which are:
Proximal left anterior descending artery
It extends from the bifurcation of the left main coronary artery to the origin of the first septal artery.
Mid left anterior descending artery
It extends from the origin of the first septal artery to the origin of the third septal artery.
Distal left anterior descending artery
It extends from the origin of the third septal artery to the apex of the left ventricle. If there is no third septal branch, then the third segment begins halfway between S1 and the apex of the left ventricle.
Cardiac Supply
It supplies the anterolateral myocardium, apex, and interventricular septum. The LAD typically supplies 45-55% of the left ventricle (LV).