Use of corrosion casting techniques to evaluate coronary collateral vessels and anastomoses in hearts of canine cadavers.

Objective: To study and investigate branching patterns of the canine coronary arteries and collateral circulation by use of corrosion casting techniques.

Sample Population: 31 hearts obtained from cadavers of clinically normal dogs of various ages and breeds and of either sex.

Procedure: 3-dimensional reproduction of coronary arteries was achieved by postmortem injection and perfusion with casting materials into the aortic sinus via the ascending aorta.