Truncus Arteriosus_A72154

3D Model

Truncus Arteriosus

The heart is of the usual shape and configuration with perhaps more prominent than usual right ventricle. However, instead of separate aorta and pulmonary artery there is a single truncus arteriosus which bifurcates into aortic arch and left-sided common pulmonary artery, around which is a dacron woven fabric band. Immediately distal to the band the pulmonary trunk bifurcates into right and left pulmonary arteries. Right-sided superior and inferior vena cava are identified. The heart and associated great vessels are removed en bloc for whole organ preparation and preservation in paraffin.