Right Ventricular Pressure-Volume Loop Analysis in Large Animal Research: A Scoping Review of Current Practices Using...

Right ventricular (RV) function assessment using catheter-derived pressure-volume (PV) loops is used in translational research, providing detailed insights into cardiac mechanics. Its practical implementation requires methodological accuracy to ensure rigor, reproducibility and transparency. However, current practices for PV loop acquisition are set at individual laboratories, resulting in overall practice remaining largely unknown. This study aimed to explore current practices in RV PV loop acquisition in large animal research. We therefore conducted a scoping review registered on the Open Science Framework and guided by PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews, with comprehensive searches in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science (December 2024). Eligible studies included large animal models published after 2014 using conductance or admittance catheters. Out of 5133 identified records, 62 met inclusion criteria. The review revealed underreporting and substantial variability in methodology, particularly in catheter placement, calibration, and ventilatory mode during PV loop recording. Catheter insertion sites included RV inflow (42%) and outflow tracts (19.4%); fluoroscopy was used in 51.6%. Calibration was not reported in one-third of studies. Loop recording during apnea were reported in 23%, mechanical ventilation in 26%, and was not specified in 51%. Overall, RV PV loop protocols show substantial heterogeneity, highlighting the need for standardized methodological reporting, to improve transparency, research reproducibility and translational significance. Expert consensus is warranted to establish methodological guidelines.