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A Calf Model for Left Ventricular Centrifugal Mechanical Assist
Fred A Mann1, Colette C Wagner-Mann1, Jack J Curtis1
1Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, U.S.A.Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, U.S.A.Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, U.S.A.
This study developed a calf model for testing centrifugal mechanical assist (CMA) in cardiogenic shock. The model showed a 51% incidence of thromboembolism, highlighting challenges in clinical translation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Surgical Innovation
- Animal Models
Background:
- Refractory postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock necessitates improved treatment strategies.
- Centrifugal mechanical assist (CMA) shows promise but requires rigorous experimental validation.
- A reliable in vivo model is crucial for sub-chronic testing of CMA devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and validate a calf model for sub-chronic (96-hour) in vivo testing of left ventricular centrifugal mechanical assist (CMA).
- To assess the feasibility and identify potential complications of the model for future CMA research.
Main Methods:
- Holstein bull calves (n=35) underwent instrumentation for left ventricular CMA; 4 served as sham controls.
- Preoperative conditioning, anesthetic/surgical techniques, and postoperative management in a specialized crate were detailed.
- Postmortem examinations were conducted to evaluate surgical site integrity, cannula security, and thromboembolic events.
Main Results:
- The model demonstrated a 51% incidence of thromboembolism, primarily affecting the pelvic limbs.
- Complications included intraoperative ventricular fibrillation, postoperative hemothorax, cannula dislodgement, and paresis/paralysis.
- Sham-operated controls exhibited no thromboembolic lesions, suggesting CMA or its support system may contribute to complications.
Conclusions:
- The described calf model provides a platform for sub-chronic CMA testing but requires careful management to mitigate thromboembolic complications.
- Further refinement is needed to reduce adverse events and improve the reliability of this model for clinical translation.
- The high incidence of thromboembolism warrants investigation into its causes and potential preventative strategies in CMA research.
