Heart0603 Perfusion Fixed Human Heart

Description

This is a perfusion fixed human heart that was donated for research. The donor was a 23 year old female with a history of asthma, a patent foramen ovale (PFO, a slight opening between the left and right atria in the heart), and was treated with VA ECMO prior to donation. This heart model shows the foramen ovale through the opening of the inferior vena cava. Normally this structure is closed in adults, but in some patients (including this one), small openings remain throughout adult life. In addition, the contrast between the epicardial (surface) fat and the myocardium is very clear on this heart. Human hearts have epicardial fat to help insulate and cushion the heart from trauma. The heart was treated with an application of 3D scanning spray prior to capture. We partner with [LifeSource](https://www.life-source.org/) to receive donated organs deemed not viable for transplant. To learn more about cardiac anatomy, visit the [Atlas of Human Cardiac Anatomy](http://www.vhlab.umn.edu/atlas/index.shtml).