Development of a Dilated Cardiomyopathy Heart Failure Model Employing High-Rate Pacing via an Implantable Leadless Pacemaker: Utilized for in Situ and Ex Vivo Investigations

Isolated heart failure models are valuable to researchers for multiple uses, including device design. Currently, models often use artificial materials and/or simulated pulsatile pre-clinical models or alternatively, employ animal models which often present obstacles to gaining access to the heart. The Visible Heart® apparatus allows researchers to benefit from a live tissue model while increasing access to the heart and adding the abilities to directly visualize the anatomic effects of a therapy or device. This work presents the development of a model to mimic dilated cardiomyopathy in humans by utilizing rapid pacing in swine and subsequently reanimating the heart on the Visible Heart® apparatus. This heart failure model allowed for functional assessments, multimodal imaging, and the administrations of various therapeutic approaches.