A new method for the visualization of subepicardial coronary arteries in small isolated mammalian hearts

A model is described which permits direct visualization of large coronary arteries in a supported modified perfused heart preparation, using a perfluorochemical (FC-43) as perfusate. Filling of a large coronary artery with Patent Blue Dye is recorded by gated photography (color arteriography). The technique is applicable to the study of reactivity (spasm) of coronary arteries in hearts of small and large animals (rats, rabbits, dogs). The technique has the following advantages: preservation of vascular endothelium, adequate oxygenation, avoidance of major surgical intervention to implant sensors for the detection of changes in coronary diameter, quantitative evaluation of time dependent changes in geometry of large coronary arteries and simultaneous measurement of large coronary vessel and total coronary vascular resistance.