Epicardial Surface
Epicardial Surface - Related Videos
07:44
Epicardial Outgrowth Culture Assay and Ex Vivo Assessment of Epicardial-derived Cell Migration
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Cited by 9 •
2016
Here, we describe methods for isolating primary mouse epicardial cells by an outgrowth culture assay and assessing the functional migration of epicardial-derived cells (EPDC) using an ex vivo heart culture system. These protocols are suitable for identifying genetic and chemical modulators of epicardial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and motility.
06:31
In Vitro Culture of Epicardial Cells From Mouse Embryonic Heart
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Cited by 13 •
2016
The epicardium is an essential source of multipotent cardiovascular progenitor cells and paracrine factors that are required for cardiovascular development and regeneration. We describe here a method to culture mouse embryonic epicardial cells.
09:17
High-Resolution Endocardial and Epicardial Optical Mapping in a Sheep Model of Stretch-Induced Atrial Fibrillation
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Cited by 20 •
2011
This report provides a detailed description of the methodology and results of simultaneous endocardial and epicardial optical mapping of electrical excitation in the intact left atrium of a Langendorff-perfused sheep heart during stretch-induced atrial fibrillation.
09:11
Cell-based Therapy for Heart Failure in Rat: Double Thoracotomy for Myocardial Infarction and Epicardial Implantation of Cells and Biomatrix
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Cited by 8 •
2014
Implantation of a biograft to treat myocardial infarction induced by LAD ligation in a rodent model has conventionally required two open-heart surgeries. In order to reduce mortality and provide optimal conditions for fixation of solid and gelatinous biomatrices associated with cells, minimally invasive procedures have been developed.
01:16
Surface Tension and Surface Energy
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2023
When a paint brush is immersed in water, the bristles wave freely inside the water. When it is taken out, the bristles stick together. The reason behind this effect is surface tension. Consider a beaker filled with liquid. The bulk molecules in the liquid experience equal attractive forces on all sides with the surrounding molecules. However, the surface molecules experience a net attractive force downward due to the bulk molecules. The surface of the liquid behaves like a stretched membrane,...
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The mesothelial covering creates a smooth interface, while pericardial fluid limits rubbing as the heart contracts repeatedly. This mechanical arrangement helps the surface accommodate continuous cardiac motion without direct abrasion against adjacent pericardial structures. Clinically, disruption of that smooth interface can make inflammation or adhesions relevant findings because they may alter normal movement and the relationship between the heart and pericardial cavity.
Supporting connective tissue gives the epicardial surface more than a protective boundary. It may contain fat, coronary vessels, and nerves, so the appearance and location of structures at the surface can affect both interpretation and intervention. In particular, recognizing coronary vessel pathways is important when clinicians plan direct access, map electrical activity, or perform treatment near the cardiac exterior.
Inflammation and adhesions are important because they change the expected surface environment rather than merely indicating an abnormal image. Inflammation can draw attention to the interface around the heart, whereas adhesions may disturb the normally smooth relationship between cardiac tissue and the pericardial cavity. Identifying these changes helps clinicians interpret surface findings and anticipate altered anatomy during direct cardiac procedures.
Imaging allows clinicians to evaluate the epicardial surface without immediately exposing it during an operation. The assessment can focus on surface anatomy, the position of coronary vessels, and changes such as inflammation or adhesions. These observations support clinical planning by showing how the cardiac exterior relates to surrounding structures and by identifying features that may influence access or treatment.
During cardiac surgery, direct access to the epicardial surface makes its anatomy immediately relevant to operative decisions. Surgeons must account for the locations of coronary vessels and any surface changes, including adhesions or inflammation, because these findings can modify the accessible tissue interface. The surface therefore serves as both a route to cardiac tissue and a field requiring anatomical assessment before intervention.
Epicardial electrophysiological mapping and catheter ablation use the heart’s exterior to investigate or treat cardiac electrical activity. Surface anatomy helps clinicians position and interpret their intervention, while coronary vessel locations provide an important anatomical reference. This approach is relevant when the electrical target or treatment plan requires information from, or access to, the outer cardiac surface rather than relying only on internal views.