A Preclinical Model of Orthotopic Heart Transplantation in Bama Miniature Pigs Using Biatrial Technique
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Updated: Sep 17, 2025
A Preclinical Model of Orthotopic Heart Transplantation in Bama Miniature Pigs Using Biatrial Technique
Published on: June 13, 2025
Kai Xing1, Wei Wang2, Yuan Chang3
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Yunnan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Kunming Medical University.
Although significant progress has been made in heart transplantation, issues such as graft preservation, primary graft dysfunction, cardiac allograft vasculopathy, and long-term immune tolerance remain unresolved. Due to anatomical size and immunological differences, mouse models are unable to effectively replicate clinical heart transplantation surgeries and immune responses. In contrast, pig models, which share more similarities with humans in terms of heart anatomy and immune response, are particularly suitable for orthotopic heart transplantation research. In this study, we established a biatrial orthotopic heart transplantation model in Bama miniature pigs. The transplanted hearts demonstrated prompt and robust contractility postoperatively without signs of elevated central venous pressure or other hemodynamic complications. Following a short period of intensive care unit monitoring, the pigs regained consciousness and resumed spontaneous feeding, indicating stable postoperative recovery. In summary, this model offers a clinically relevant experimental platform for evaluating new technologies and therapeutic approaches in the field of heart transplantation research.
Although significant progress has been made in heart transplantation, issues such as graft preservation, primary graft dysfunction, cardiac allograft vasculopathy, and long-term immune tolerance remain unresolved. Due to anatomical size and immunological differences, mouse models are unable to effectively replicate clinical heart transplantation surgeries and immune responses. In contrast, pig models, which share more similarities with humans in terms of heart anatomy and immune response, are particularly suitable for orthotopic heart transplantation research. In this study, we established a biatrial orthotopic heart transplantation model in Bama miniature pigs. The transplanted hearts demonstrated prompt and robust contractility postoperatively without signs of elevated central venous pressure or other hemodynamic complications. Following a short period of intensive care unit monitoring, the pigs regained consciousness and resumed spontaneous feeding, indicating stable postoperative recovery. In summary, this model offers a clinically relevant experimental platform for evaluating new technologies and therapeutic approaches in the field of heart transplantation research.
