Topology and dimensions of pig coronary capillary network.

To provide a morphometric basis for any mathematical modeling of the coronary vasculature, data on the network of coronary capillary blood vessels and the topology of the arteriolar supply and venular drainage relative to the capillaries are presented. The diameters, lengths, and branching patterns of the coronary capillary blood vessels in the right and left ventricles of four pigs were measured. The locations of the coronary arterioles and venules were identified, topological maps were constructed, and the mean functional length of capillaries connecting an arteriole to an adjacent venule was measured. The vasculature was fixed by perfusing the coronary vessels with a catalyzed polymer. After the polymer hardened, plugs of the myocardium were removed, sectioned, dehydrated, and cleared to render the capillary network visible in a light microscope. The capillaries then were traced by optical sectioning. We designated the capillaries as blood vessels of order number zero; we further designated the capillaries as those fed directly by arterioles (C0a), those drained directly into venules (C0v), and those capillary vessels connected to C0a and C0v. The capillaries are connected in patterns identified as Y, T, H, or hairpin and anastomosed through capillary cross-connections (Ccc). The Ccc vessels may connect adjacent capillaries or capillaries originating from different arterioles. The connection among the capillaries, arteries, and veins is presented in terms of a connectivity matrix. Combining the present data with those for the arterial and venous trees, we have obtained a complete set of statistical data of all the blood vessels of the heart of the pig. Such a data set will serve as the basis of coronary hemodynamics.