Anat Cell Biol.  2021 Dec;54(4):417-423. 10.5115/acb.21.108.

Raymond de Vieussens (1641–1715): connoisseur of cardiologic anatomy and pathological forms thereof

• Ghosh SK
• Priya A
• Narayan RK

• KMID: 2523571
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.21.108

Abstract

Raymond de Vieussens was an exemplary anatomist who made seminal contributions in the field of cardiology. During initial part of his academic career, he adopted human dissection based experiments as medium of his research. This was in accordance with prevailing trend among anatomists during 17th century. He discovered the presence of tiny venous tributaries communicating between cardiac veins and chambers of heart (ducti carnosi/venae cordis minimae). He reported the existence of a collateral circulatory pathway between right and left coronary arterial systems (Vieussens arterial ring). He was the first to note the valve at the junction of great cardiac vein and coronary sinus (valve of Vieussens) and the prominent oval margin of the fossa ovalis (Vieussens Annulus). All his findings were associated with considerable clinical significance as evidenced in literature that followed. Vieussens accurately demonstrated the three-layered orientation of myocardium and gave a precise description of coronary arteries and their branches. At the onset of 18th century, buoyed by royal patronage from King Louis XIV of France, the second half of Vieussens illustrious career was defined by pathologic anatomy (autopsy based) and anatomo clinical correlations. This was a new trend initiated by Vieussens in anatomical research and was later adopted as a signature method by anatomists of 18th century. As a true connoisseur of cardiologic anatomy, Vieussens accurately charted the anatomo clinical correlations of cardiac tamponade, mitral stenosis and aortic regurgitation. His contributions were pivotal elements in metamorphosis of cardiology as a robust discipline of medicine in modern times.

Keyword

Vieussens; Cardiology; Ducti carnosi; Vieussens ring; Mitral stenosis

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A portrait of Raymond de Vieussens. Image in public domain and free from copyright issues. Source of image: Wikimedia Commons.

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  Fig. 2 Illustrations showing the structure of tricuspid valve as observed from a superior view. The valve is shown after opening the walls of right atrium and also after opening the walls of right ventricle. In the right ventricle the tricuspid valve is shown along with the three papillary muscles which are attached to the valve cusps via chordae tendinae. The illustration was prepared by Lason (artist) in Montpellier at the time of dissection by Vieussens. Later the drawings were converted to engravings by Simmoneau (engraver) in Paris. Image in public domain and free from copyright issues. Source of image: Wikimedia Commons.

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  Fig. 3 Illustrations showing the middle layer of myocardium which has fibres in horizontal direction in the right ventricle and oblique direction in the left ventricle. Remarkably the distribution of the coronary arteries have been kept intact on the surface of the heart by Lason (artist) who prepared the drawing for Vieussens. Image in public domain and free from copyright issues. Source of image: Wikimedia Commons.

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  Fig. 4 Illustrations showing distribution of coronary arteries on the surface of heart. On the anterior surface of heart course of right coronary artery and those of left anterior descending artery as well as circumflex artery (both branches of left coronary artery) are demonstrated. On the inferior surface course of posterior descending artery (branch of right coronary artery) and circumflex artery (branch of left coronary artery) are depicted. Image in public domain and free from copyright issues. Source of image: Wikimedia Commons.

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  Fig. 5 Illustration showing the interior of right ventricle in a case of mitral stenosis. The internal features of the right ventricle are abnormally enlarged and its walls (myocardium) are inordinately thickened. The anatomical features observed in right ventricle of the heart are a consequence of mitral stenosis which is the pathological condition involving the heart. Image in public domain and free from copyright issues. Source of image: Wikimedia Commons.

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