Validation of a Mimic Heart Failure Model

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Introduction: Animal models which mimic the clinical characteristics of heart failure (HF) with dyssynchrony play a critical role in development of new therapies. Existing HF animal models created by left bundle branch block (LBBB), rapid pacing, or microembolization alone or in combinations only mimic partial HF characteristics and are time-costuming and expensive. The microembolization model creates a stable reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with minimal change in QRS. Methods: Ten dogs were implanted with two epicardial leads on the left ventricle (LV) and LBBB ablation increased QRS width by 2×. After 4 weeks, HF was induced by microembolization procedures every 1–3 weeks by injecting microspheres into one or both of the coronary arteries (LAD and Left Circumflex) until LVEF decreased to <35% by echocardiography. Results: Two dogs (20%) died during the microembolization procedure. All surviving canines developed severe ischemic cardiomyopathy with dyssynchrony. QRS width significantly increased after LBBB and was stable throughout multiple microembolizations. LVEF significantly decreased after multiple microembolizations but not after LBBB. The pathological examination was performed in the failed hearts at end of the study. Conclusion: This viable and reproducible canine model can mimic heart failure characteristics and serve as a useful tool to evaluate new HF therapies.