Establishing a Fetal Lamb Model for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome—A Feasibility Pilot Study.

This article discusses the need for a large fetal animal model of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) in order to evaluate and develop medical and surgical management strategies for the condition. The study presents a feasibility pilot study conducted in Switzerland using pregnant ewes to establish this model. The ewes underwent procedures to induce HLHS in their fetuses, and the development of HLHS was confirmed through various imaging techniques. The study found that the model is feasible, although there was a 25% dropout rate due to complications. The researchers believe that this model will provide a valuable research platform for improving the understanding and treatment of HLHS. [Extracted from the article]