Transesophageal Echocardiography in Swine: Establishment of a Baseline

The porcine model is a commonly used animal model in cardiovascular research. Along with new innovative operative techniques, choice of the optimal imaging technique is crucial. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a reliable imaging tool is highly important in a large number of experimental evaluations. But so far, TEE data for swine are limited, and few standard values have been established for the porcine model. The experience and baseline results for TEE in 45 swine are presented in this study. A full TEE examination was conducted in 45 German landrace or German large white swine, with an average body weight of 49 ± 3 kg, before experimental off-pump mitral valved stent implantation. Additionally hemodynamic measurements were evaluated. The valve implantation procedure was guided solely by real-time 3-D TEE. Baseline values of standard echocardiographic parameters are provided and, where appropriate, compared with human reference values. TEE proved to be an adequate imaging technique in this experimental porcine animal model. The baseline TEE and hemodynamic parameters established for the widely used porcine model can serve as a reference in future studies.