Structural, functional and histological features of a novel ischemic heart failure model

There is still no satisfactory large-animal model of ischemic heart failure (IHF) with ideal survival rate and model time. The aim of this study is to explore a novel chronic IHF model in swine. 23 healthy Ba-Ma miniature pigs were included. Pigs in the experimental group underwent multiple strategic ligations on side side branches of the left anterior descending (LAD) and circumflex coronary arteries. One week later, sequential intervention occlusion of the distal end of the LAD trunk was performed. In the experimental groups, LV end-diastolic (LVEDV) and end-systolic volume (LVESV) gradually increased starting at 4 weeks post operation. At 12 WPO, LVEDV increased from 45.0 +/- 2.9 ml at baseline to 110.0 +/- 9.8 ml and LVESV increased from 17.0 +/- 1.4 ml at baseline to 42.0 +/- 3.6 ml. Meanwhile, left ventricular ejection fraction significantly decreased from 73.8 +/- 4.2 % at baseline to 31.0 +/- 2.5%. According to histomorphometric assessment, viable cells were observed in infarction lesions, indicating the model has replicated the structural and functional features of chronic IHF.