Fig 1.
Schematic view of the interatrial septum in the ovine heart.
[A] Patent foramen ovale (PFO) channel connecting both atria. [B] Right septal pouch (RSP)–diverticulum located on the right side of the interatrial septum, without connection between both atria across the septum (fusion limited to the superior portion zone of overlap). [C] Left septal pouch (LSP)–diverticulum located on the left side of the interatrial septum, without connection between both atria across the septum (fusion limited to the inferior portion of the zone of overlap). [D] Left septal ridge (LSR)–tissue fold on the left side of the interatrial septum in the location in which the LSP would be expected. [E] Left septal bridge (LSB)–tissue bridge located on the left side of the interatrial septum in the location in which the LSP would be expected. [F] Smooth septum—fusion between the septum primum and secundum occurs along the entire zone of overlap. LA–left atrium, RA–right atrium.
Fig 2.
Photograph of ovine heart specimen showing the patent foramen ovale (PFO) channel.
View from the back side, the interatrial septum and atrial walls were partially dissected, and the probe was inserted into the PFO channel. LA–left atrium, RA–right atrium.
Fig 3.
Photographs of ovine heart specimens showing different structures on the left side of the interatrial septum (view from the back side).
[A] Left septal pouch (SP) with probe inserted into the pouch. [B] Section through the interatrial septum with the left SP; point of adhesion between septum primum and secundum could be seen (*). [C] Left septal ridge. [D] Left septal bridge. LA–left atrium, RA–right atrium.
Fig 4.
Photograph of porcine heart specimen showing section through the interatrial septum with the right septal pouch (SP) present (view from the back side).
LA–left atrium, RA–right atrium.
Table 1.
Comparison of morphological variations of interatrial septum of human, swine and ovine hearts.
Table 2.
Comparison of interatrial septum structures measurements (mean ± standard deviation [mm]) performed in human, swine and ovine hearts.