Assessment of Large Animal Vascular Dimensions for Intra-Aortic Device Research and Development: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Comparative Anatomy
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• Pre-clinical evaluation of cardiovascular medical devices necessitates appropriate animal models.
• First-generation devices, including aortic endovascular prostheses and circulatory support systems, often present unique size and anatomical challenges.
• A significant data gap exists regarding the vascular dimensions of large animal models, hindering optimal model selection.

Approach:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted on vascular dimensions in swine, ovine, and bovine models.
• Data were systematically collected from Embase and MEDLINE databases, focusing on the descending aorta and ilio-femoral arteries.
• Computed tomography angiography data from sheep and calves were integrated to augment existing literature findings.

Key Points:

• Vascular dimensions in swine, ovine, and bovine models were categorized by weight (40-60 kg, 61-80 kg, >80 kg).
• Swine, sheep, and calves exceeding 80 kg demonstrate the greatest similarity in aortic diameter to human anatomy.
• For smaller animal models, careful assessment of access site suitability, specifically the common femoral artery, is recommended for device implantation.

Conclusions:

• Large animal models, particularly swine, sheep, and calves weighing over 80 kg, are recommended for preclinical cardiovascular device testing due to anatomical similarities.
• The selection of appropriate animal models with relevant vascular dimensions is critical for the successful evaluation of novel cardiovascular devices.
• Further research into the vascular anatomy of large animals can improve the translational validity of pre-clinical studies.