An Experimental Canine Model to Study Left Ventricular Function

An increasing number of patients with uni- or bi-ventricular heart failure underscores the importance of heart failure research. An isolation of the left or right ventricle would allow for an evaluation of the contralateral ventricular function, the change in hemodynamics, and the capability of each ventricle to deal with the volume challenge. This experimental canine model was developed at the laboratory of Cardiac Physiology at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School. The model allows an evaluation of left ventricular function with a tight control of the preload and evaluation of the contractility of the myocardium to create pressure and handle the volume overload. The left atrial pressure (LAP), left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), left ventricular end-systolic pressure (LVES), and myocardial contractility (DP/DT) can be measured using catheters and micro-ultrasound devices. Using this model, a Frank-Starling Curve can be generated for any given circumstance. This manuscript describes the technical aspect of such a model including; preparation of the canines, cannulation, and measurement of intra-cardiac pressures.