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Transthoracic Echocardiographic Examination in the Rabbit Model
Published on: June 1, 2019
Standardized subxiphoid echocardiography in swine: procedural guide and reference values
Sebastian Billig1, Matthias Derwall2, Moritz Uhlig1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
|December 1, 2025
Summary
Subxiphoid echocardiography (SE) in swine provides high-quality cardiac imaging via minimally invasive access. This study standardizes the SE technique and offers crucial reference values for preclinical research.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Preclinical Research Models
- Minimally Invasive Techniques
Background:
- Subxiphoid echocardiography (SE) is a minimally invasive cardiac imaging technique for swine models.
- A detailed methodology for SE, including surgical approach and imaging planes, is currently lacking.
- Standardization is needed to establish reference values for SE in preclinical research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To standardize subxiphoid echocardiography (SE) using a subxiphoid surgical approach in preclinical swine models.
- To provide essential reference values for SE parameters in future translational research.
Main Methods:
- SE was performed in 19 female German Landrace pigs under general anesthesia.
- A small subxiphoid incision was utilized to optimize image acquisition.
- Echocardiographic imaging protocol included apical 2-, 3-, and 5-chamber views, Doppler measurements, and speckle tracking for myocardial deformation assessment.
Main Results:
- High-quality images of both ventricles were consistently achieved.
- Stable anesthesia and physiological blood gas values were maintained.
- Reference values obtained: LV ejection fraction 67%±11%, LV-GLS -22.4%±3.3%, RV free wall longitudinal strain -23.7%±5%, Aortic valve Vmax 1.6±0.3 m/s.
Conclusions:
- SE provides a standardized and reproducible method for high-quality cardiac imaging in swine.
- The study offers procedural guidance and reference values for SE in translational research.
- This technique enhances the utility of swine models for cardiovascular studies.
