A systematic protocol using epicardial echocardiography was developed in 10 female pigs to serve as a tool to assess cardiac dimensions and function in experimental swine models.
Does a structured epicardial echocardiography protocol provide a systematic methodology for assessing cardiac dimensions and function in swine research models?
A systematic protocol for epicardial echocardiography in swine models provides an additional tool for assessing cardiac dimensions and function during experimental open-chest surgery.
Background: Perioperative echocardiography is of paramount importance during cardiac surgery. Nonetheless, in the experimental large-animal setting, it might be challenging obtaining optimal imaging when using conventional imaging acquisition techniques, such as transthoracic and transesophageal screenings. Open-chest surgery allows epicardial echocardiographic assessment with direct contact between probe and heart, thus providing superior quality. Standard protocols regarding the use of epicardial ultrasound in swine for research purposes are lacking. Methods: Epicardial echocardiography was performed in 10 female German Landrace pigs undergoing cardiac surgery. A structured and comprehensive protocol for epicardial echocardiography was elaborated including apical, ventricular long and short axis, as well as epiaortic planes. All experiments were approved by the local board for animal welfare and conducted in accordance with the German animal protection law (TierSchG) and the ARRIVE guidelines. Conclusions: Systematic protocols using epicardial echocardiography may serve as an additional tool to assess cardiac dimensions and function in experimental scenarios with swine models.
Galbas et al. (Mon,) conducted a other in Cardiac surgery in experimental swine models (n=10). Epicardial echocardiography protocol was evaluated on Development of a structured and comprehensive protocol for epicardial echocardiography. A systematic protocol using epicardial echocardiography was developed in 10 female pigs to serve as a tool to assess cardiac dimensions and function in experimental swine models.