Septo Cardíaco: Separando Sangue Oxigenado e Desoxigenado

The interventricular septum (muscular + membranous) and interatrial septum completely separate left and right heart chambers.

Function

• Right side: Receives systemic venous return (deoxygenated) → pumps to lungs.
• Left side: Receives pulmonary venous return (oxygenated) → pumps to body.
• Septum prevents mixing → maintains systemic arterial O₂ saturation ~95–100%.

Defects (Shunts)

• VSD: Left-to-right shunt → pulmonary overcirculation → Eisenmenger if unrepaired.
• ASD: Left-to-right atrial shunt → RV volume overload, atrial arrhythmias.
• PFO: Flap valve; may allow paradoxical embolism.

Clinical Significance

Intact septum essential for dual-circuit circulation. Defects diagnosed by echo (color Doppler, bubble study).

Septal integrity = separation of pulmonary and systemic circulations.