A Long-term Porcine Model for Evaluation of Prosthetic Heart Valves

Abstract

A practically feasible long-term porcine model of MVR has been established. Because the pig is superior to other species with respect to anatomical and physiological similarity to humans, we consider this model as an optimal platform for experimental preclinical testing of heart valve prostheses.

A Model of Heterotopic Aortic Valve Replacement for Studying Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Mechanical Valve Prostheses

“…Another potential disadvantage of the standard mitral valve model is the risk of developing periprosthetic leak secondary to somatic growth [20]. We tried to avoid this problem by maintaining the animals on a strict caloric intake to maintain preoperative weight throughout the duration of the study.…”

A catheter based chronic porcine model of post-infarct dilated heart failure

“…Though many research groups use calves, canine or ovine species for CHF investigation (19), studies of human and porcine heart size and morphology, heart valves, hemodynamics and coronary anatomy have shown remarkable similarities, rendering the porcine species superior with respect to human compatibility (20). Furthermore, our research group has previously shown that it is possible to use pigs for large animal models with an acceptable mortality rate, and a well functioning setup for pre-and postoperative care, and follow-up examinations (10,21).…”

Recellularization of aortic valves in pigs

“…The operative technique and anaesthetic treatment have been described elsewhere [10,11]. In brief, the pigs were sedated, intubated, and a median sternotomy was performed.…”