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Echocardiographic contrast agents and left ventricular contractility: evaluation using an isolated rabbit heart model
V Mor-Avi1, S G Shroff, K A Robinson
1Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Summary
This study evaluated Albunex and FS069 contrast agents in isolated rabbit hearts. Neither Albunex nor FS069 microspheres impaired left ventricular contractility, indicating their safety for myocardial function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Intravascular contrast agents are crucial for medical imaging.
- Assessing the impact of novel contrast agents on cardiac function is essential.
- Albunex and FS069 are ultrasound contrast agents with potential cardiac applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of Albunex and FS069 on left ventricular (LV) contractility.
- To determine the safety profile of these contrast agents using an isolated heart model.
- To assess potential adverse effects on myocardial function.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an isolated rabbit heart model under controlled loading and heart rate conditions.
- Administered various doses of Albunex and different concentrations of FS069.
- Measured LV contractility via peak systolic pressure (peak P) and maximum pressure derivative (peak P').
Main Results:
- Human albumin alone caused a transient, dose-dependent decrease in LV contractility.
- Albunex microspheres did not further decrease contractility beyond the albumin effect.
- FS069 at optimal enhancement concentrations did not impair contractility; higher concentrations showed transient effects eliminated by filtration.
Conclusions:
- The isolated rabbit heart model is a sensitive tool for assessing contrast agent cardiotoxicity.
- Neither Albunex nor FS069 microspheres demonstrated significant impairment of myocardial contractility.
- These findings support the safety of Albunex and FS069 for intravascular use regarding cardiac contractility.