A CLOSED-CHEST PIG MODEL OF SUSTAINED VENTRICULAR-TACHYCARDIA

The goal of this study was to develop and explore a closed-chest anima l model of sustained VT, Seven of 11 domestic pigs had successful indu ction of myocardial infarction by injection of agarose gel microbeads into the left anterior descending coronary artery through an inflated balloon angioplasty catheter. Four of the first five pigs died and see m to represent a ''learning experience.'' During a 3- to 50-day follow -up period, each pig underwent 1-3 electrophysiological studies. Susta ined, monomorphic VT was induced 1-4 times in 5 of the 7 pigs (a total of 19 episodes), was reproducible during the same study in all pigs, and could be repetitively induced during successive studies in some. V entricular fibrillation was induced less frequently (nine episodes) an d was successfully terminated by DC shock in eight episodes. We conclu de that a closed-chest pig model of VT is feasible and is associated w ith a relatively high induction rate of sustained, monomorphic, and re producible VT and a relatively low mortality rate.