Methods for producing experimental complete atrioventricular block in dogs

This paper reviews methods for producing experimental complete atrioventricular (A-V) block in dogs, with emphasis on those methods that enable chronic A-V block to be obtained. The dog with chronic complete A-V block, particularly when unanesthetized, is a useful experimental model, and the production of complete A-V block is an approach to the clinical treatment of certain supraventricular arrhythmias. Criteria for the choice of method are discussed, and the results obtained to date in the unanesthetized dog with chronic A-V block are briefly described to illustrate the usefulness of this experimental model.