Cardiac Optical Mapping in Situ in Swine Models: A View of the Current Situation

Abstract

Optical mapping is recognized as a promising tool for the registration of electrical activity in the heart. Most cardiac optical mapping experiments are performed in ex vivo isolated heart models. However, the electrophysiological properties of the heart are highly influenced by the autonomic nervous system as well as humoral regulation; therefore, in vivo investigations of heart activity in large animals are definitely preferred. Furthermore, such investigations can be considered the last step before clinical application. Recently, two comprehensive studies have examined optical mapping approaches for pig hearts in situ (in vivo), likely advancing the methodological capacity to perform complex electrophysiological investigations of the heart. Both studies had the same aim, i.e., to develop high-spatiotemporal-resolution optical mapping suitable for registration of electrical activity of pig heart in situ, but the methods chosen were different. In this brief review, we analyse and compare the results of recent studies and discuss their translational potential for in situ cardiac optical mapping applications in large animals. We focus on the modes of blood circulation that are employed, the use of different voltage-sensitive dyes and their loading procedures, and ways of eliminating contraction artefacts. Finally, we evaluate the possible scenarios for optical mapping (OM) application in large animals in situ and infer which scenario is optimal.

Graphene Biointerface for Cardiac Arrhythmia Diagnosis and Treatment

“…Meanwhile, cardiac optophysiology and optogenetics are blossoming in basic scientific research both ex vivo and in vivo, providing insightful understandings of the mechanisms of cardiac diseases. [6][7][8] Optical mapping offers unparalleled spatial resolution for probing physiological functions (e.g., transmembrane potential, intracellular calcium, metabolism) with synthetic or endogenous fluorescent reporters. [9][10][11] Optogenetics features unprecedented cell type-specific manipulation (e.g., cardiac pacing, Table 1.…”

Graphene Biointerface for Cardiac Arrhythmia Diagnosis and Treatment

“…Meanwhile, cardiac optophysiology and optogenetics are blossoming in basic scientific research both ex vivo and in vivo and have the potential to become powerful clinical tools [6][7][8] .…”