Anatomical Correlation of the Helical Structure of the Ventricular Myocardium Through Echocardiography

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Anatomy
• Cardiac Physiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• The helical structure of the ventricular myocardium offers a simplified model of cardiac anatomy.
• This structure is supported by physiological evidence from experimental and imaging studies.
• Understanding this anatomy aids in explaining myocardial electromechanical contraction during the cardiac cycle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To standardize and detail the myocardial dissection technique proposed by Torrent-Guasp.
• To anatomically and topographically correlate the helical myocardial band with standard echocardiographic views.
• To validate the identification of myocardial segments in echocardiographic projections.

Main Methods:

• Standardization of myocardial dissection technique using 42 hearts (20 bovine, 20 porcine, 2 human).
• Boiling hearts to achieve 38% mass loss for efficient dissection.
• Color coding of myocardial segments for correlation with echocardiographic projections.

Main Results:

• A standardized myocardial dissection technique was established, involving a 38% mass reduction via boiling.
• No significant morphological differences were observed in the myocardial bands across species.
• The four distinct myocardial segments were successfully identified in long-axis, short-axis, and 4-chamber echocardiographic views.

Conclusions:

• The standardized dissection technique is applicable to various heart types.
• Echocardiography is a viable tool for assessing the distinct myocardial segments.
• Further research is recommended to explore practical applications in echocardiography and related fields.