Although rodent models have greatly contributed to our knowledge of cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular differences are apparent between humans and rodents. Large animal models share more similarities in terms of heart anatomy and physiology with humans than rodents; and the ability to apply human-like settings such as surgical techniques and equipment to these animals also increases the chances of translating bench findings to the clinic.
In a new protocol, Dominik Schüttler, Philipp Tomsits, Christina Bleyer and colleagues at LMU, DZHK and Erasmus MC detail the procedures to set up pig models for cardiac catheterization, electrophysiological studies, and induction of atrial fibrillation and myocardial infarction. The protocol was designed to help researchers overcome common pitfalls in porcine cardiac experiments, in particular for critical procedures such as intubation, anaesthesia and sheath insertions.
