Anesthesia for cardiovascular interventions and magnetic resonance imaging in pigs

Large animal models are still required for many experimental purposes. The aim of the current study was to define a viable narcotic procedure for experimental cardiovascular interventions and imaging in pigs. A total of 32 domestic pigs were used. Animals received propofol, midazolam, and fentanyl as continuous intravenous infusion anesthesia for complex vascular interventions, angiographic X-ray imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Anesthesia was maintained for 6 to 10 h. The initial hourly doses were 2.29 mg/kg of propofol, 1.14 mg/kg of midazolam, and 0.009 mg/kg of fentanyl, with controlled ventilation. Anesthesia, interventions, imaging, periods of apnea of as long as 2 min, and transportation were well-tolerated. Stress-induced arrhythmias were not noted, and artifact-free imaging was achieved. The combination of propofol, midazolam, and fentanyl is well-suited for experimental angiographic interventional studies, experimental cardiovascular MRI, and MR-guided interventions in pigs.