Comparative Analysis of Methods to Induce Myocardial Infarction in a Closed-Chest Rabbit Model

47 anesthetized 3-4 kg New Zealand rabbits

Five techniques of myocardial ischemia via microcatheterization: free coils (n=4), interlocking coils (n=4), thrombogenic gelatin sponge (n=4), balloon occlusion (n=4), and alcohol injection (n=8), all with an antiarrhythmic protocol (beta-blockers/amiodarone and xylocaine).

Comparison among the five techniques.

Demonstration of vessel occlusion (TIMI flow grades 0 and 1 on the angiogram), impairment of left ventricular function at 2 weeks after procedure (by echocardiography), and pathologically confirmed myocardial infarction.surrogate