Chronic stable heart failure model in ovine species

Introduction Establishing a chronic heart failure (HF) model is challenging, particularly in the sheep model. The aim of this study was to establish a reproducible model of HF in an ovine model. Methods Seventeen sheep were operated using the left thoracotomy approach. Chronic HF was induced through ligation of the diagonal and marginal branches only. Perioperative hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters were compared. Results A total of (3 ± 1) coronary ligations were used. Thirteen animals survived the procedure and were followed up for (15 ± 5) days. The mean arterial pressure, heart rate (HR), mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), central venous pressure and cardiac output at baseline and prior to animal sacrifice was (75 ± 14 mmHg) and (68 ± 16 mmHg) p = 0.261; (72 ± 9 b/min), (100 ± 28 b/min) p = 0.01; (15 ± 4 mmHg) and (18 ± 5 mmHg) p = 0.034; (10 ± 6 mmHg) and (8 ± 4 mmHg) p = 0.326; (3.4 ± 1 L/min) and (3.9 ± 1 L/min) p = 0.286 respectively. The LVEF, at baseline and prior to animal sacrifice was (63 ± 13 %) and (43 ± 6 %) p = 0.012. Twelve surviving animals were supported with LVAD in a follow-up procedure. Conclusions Chronic stable HF in sheep was successively established. Clinical symptoms and drastic increase in the mPAP and HR as well as echo findings were the most sensitive parameters of HF. This reproducible ovine model has proven to be highly promising for research regarding HF.