Heart Failure and the Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)

Anatomy of the Heart
Pericardium
  • Closed, membranous two layered sac that encloses the heart;

Parietal pericardium
  • Tough outer most layer;
  • Non-elastic, fibrous connective tissue;
  • It attaches to the diaphragm and sternum;
Epicardium or Visceral pericardium
  • Thin, serous inner layer of pericardium;
  • It is attached to the heart and allows it to slide freely.