Four-chamber view of the heart with an LVAD
Oxygen-rich blood flows from the lungs through the light red vessels into the left atrium and then on into the left ventricle. From there, it is pumped into the aorta, with the orange heart valves preventing the blood from flowing back into the atrium. If the heart is too weak to perform this pumping action, a left ventricular assist device can be used to divert blood from the apex of the heart and pump it artificially into the aorta (LVAD: Left Ventricular Assist Device, shown as knitted wire). The blood flows through the dark blue vessels from the systemic circulation into the right atrium and then into the right ventricle. From there, it enters the pulmonary circulation (initially blue), where CO₂ is released and oxygen is absorbed.
Heart
The heart pumps blood through the left ventricle into the aorta, our main artery, which branches off into three major blood vessels at the apex of its arch. These supply the head and arms (2016; Foto 2024).
Cotton, press studs; knitted and crocheted
Heart: ca 15 x 15 x 5 cm
aortic aneurysm (2023)
When the aorta expands, there is a risk that the vessel will rupture, which is why various methods are used to stabilise it. The object shows the knitted aorta with a knitted stent adapted to the patient in the abdominal aorta area and a vascular prosthesis of the aortic arch (Arcus aortae). The outgoing blood vessels, such as the renal arteries or the vessels supplying the head and arms, are supported by specially manufactured branches. Apart from the heart valves, the heart is represented exclusively by its blood supply.
Cotton, wire and press studs; knitted and crocheted,
63 x 25 x 4 cm
Video: Cardiopulmonary Interactions
The blood flow between the heart and lungs is called the small circulation or pulmonary circulation. In the video, the knitted objects are scanned and in 3D animated by Sarah Wilhelmy. Knitted objects and scientific direction: Katharina Sabernig. doi 10.55776/AR705
Arteries (2016-2022)
The red arteries represent the oxygen-rich vascular system in the arms and torso. The blood is pumped by the heart, which is located in the upper centre and is supplied with oxygen-rich blood via the pink pulmonary veins (venae pulmonalis). The aorta leads to the lower centre, which is formed by the purple kidneys and yellow adrenal glands.
Cotton, wire and press studs; knitted and crocheted, can be taken apart,
82 x 55 x 8 cm
Heart and Lung
vascular connections
Heart and Kidneys
Heart: posterior view
Circulus arteriosus Willisi
