Abstract
Smooth septum interatrial septum, patent foramen ovale (PFO) channel and atrial septal pouches (SPs) are commonly described variants in humans. Recent discoveries on the clinical significance of left-sided SP may encourage the creation of new strategies and devices for the management of SPs. However, these strategies may first be tested in the ovine model before implementation in humans. Unfortunately, little is known about the presence of SPs in ovine. In this study a total of 60 ovine (Ovis aries) hearts were examined. The interatrial septum morphology was assessed and the PFO channel and SPs were measured. The most commonly occurring variant were PFO channels (25.0%) with channel lengths of 5.4±2.3 mm. Smooth septums were observed in 18.3% of hearts. In the remaining cases, septums had a left septal ridge (15.0%), left SP (11.7%), left septal bridge (10.0%), right SP (10.0%), or had both a right SP and left septal ridge (10.0%). No double SPs were observed. The mean right SP depth was 3.4 ± 1.2 mm, and its mean ostium width and height were 7.9±1.8 mm and 2.8±1.0, respectively. For the left SP, the mean depth was 6.0±1.7mm, the ostium width was 7.9±2.4mm, and the ostium height was 4.1±1.6mm (range: 2.3–6.4mm). In conclusion the interatrial septum of ovine hearts exhibit morphologies that are more similar to humans than they are to swine, which should be taken into account during experimental studies. The presence of a left SP in sheep hearts make ovine models a promising alternative to the human heart for developing left-sided SP management devices and techniques.
Highlights
The interatrial septum located between right and left atrium shows great variability in humans
In conclusion the interatrial septum of ovine hearts exhibit morphologies that are more similar to humans than they are to swine, which should be taken into account during experimental studies
Pouches are formed during postnatal life as a result of the incomplete fusion of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) channel, in other words constant friction between PFO channel and interatrial septum elements leads to gradually closure of channel and creation of septal pouches (SPs) [3]
Summary
The interatrial septum located between right and left atrium shows great variability in humans. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) channel and atrial septal pouches (SPs) are commonly described variants [1]. The SP is a small, blind ended, kangaroo-like diverticulum that may be located on the left or/and right side of the interatrial septum, there is no connection between the left and right atrium across the septum Interatrial septum in ovine heart and 1C) [2, 3]. Recent studies have proved that SP located on the left side of the septum may trigger atrial fibrillation and be a source of thrombosis, which significantly increases the risk of ischemic stroke [4,5,6]
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