Heparinized swine models for better surgical/endoscopic training

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Surgical Training
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• Large animal models, particularly swine, are crucial for medical device development and surgical training due to anatomical similarities with humans.
• A key limitation of current swine models is their reduced local bleeding compared to humans, hindering realistic training scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a swine animal model with adequate local bleeding capabilities for surgical and endoscopic training.
• To investigate the effect of heparin administration on bleeding time in swine models.

Main Methods:

• Activated clotting time (ACT) and mucosal bleeding time were measured in swine under general anesthesia.
• Heparin was administered intravenously in escalating doses (50 U/kg, 100 U/kg) to induce anticoagulation and increase bleeding.
• Gastric mucosa was intentionally traumatized using biopsy forceps to standardize bleeding induction.

Main Results:

• Median ACT significantly increased from 83 seconds (no heparin) to 155 seconds (50 U/kg) and 204 seconds (100 U/kg).
• Median mucosal bleeding times significantly extended from 152 seconds (no heparin) to 283 seconds (50 U/kg) and 423 seconds (100 U/kg).

Conclusions:

• Bolus heparin administration effectively established a bleeding swine model.
• This enhanced swine model provides a more realistic simulation for surgical and endoscopic training.