A Robust Percutaneous Myocardial Infarction Model in Pigs and Its Effect on Left Ventricular Function

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Animal Models
• Translational Medicine

Background:

• Myocardial infarction (MI) models are crucial for studying heart disease.
• Existing models often suffer from high mortality or insufficient functional changes.
• A need exists for a reproducible and clinically relevant porcine model of MI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a reproducible porcine model of myocardial infarction (MI).
• To characterize the model's mortality rate, functional changes, and arrhythmogenic potential.
• To validate the model's utility for studying left ventricular (LV) remodeling and dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• A 90-minute balloon-induced percutaneous MI was performed in 42 pigs.
• An arrhythmia prevention regimen was administered prior to MI induction.
• Echocardiography and NOGA electrophysiological mapping were used for assessment before and 14 days after MI.

Main Results:

• The model exhibited a low mortality rate (4.8%) with successful resuscitation from ventricular fibrillation (VF) events (28.6% incidence).
• Significant decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (41%) and regional myocardial strain were observed.
• Transmural scar, LV dyssynchrony, and impaired LV function were confirmed by imaging and mapping at 14 days.

Conclusions:

• The developed porcine MI model is reproducible, with low mortality and significant, measurable changes in LV function and structure.
• The anti-arrhythmia regimen effectively reduced mortality, highlighting its importance in model stability.
• This model provides a robust platform for investigating therapeutic strategies for post-MI complications.