Conscious minipig model for evaluating the lower urinary tract

An animal model using minipigs to study urodynamic pressure flow relationships in the conscious animal is described. Port-catheters were implanted subcutaneously in the backs of 22 minipigs with access to the bladder (to measure intravesical pressure Pves) and to the peritoneal cavity (to measure abdominal pressure Pabd). The subtracted pressure (Pdet = Pves = Pabd) was recorded during the storage phase following Furosemide diuresis. Simultaneously, measurement of urinary flow (Q) during voiding was also recorded. Urodynamic studies were performed satisfactorily in all animals, and normal urodynamic profiles in minipigs were established. The minipig model allows reliable and reproducible measurement of pressure-flow parameters in a conscious state and in the natural posture.