Experimental aortic stenosis and corresponding left ventricular hypertrophy in sheep

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent cardiac risk factor. A simple standard experimental model of inducing LVH for further studies usi ng experimental aortic stenosis in sheep was performed. The aim of this stu dy is to describe animal-specific requirements as well as perioperative the rapy, postoperative care, and the use of echocardiography for routine follo w-up examinations. Supracoronary aortic banding was performed in 55 female sheep at an age of 6 to 8 months. General anesthesia and an antero-lateral thoracotomy were used. The objective was to achieve pressure gradients of 2 0 to 30 mm Hg. In addition a 4th intercostal space rib window was created t o improve echocardiographic vision. The operations were completed successfu lly in all animals. Intraoperatively, little severe arrhythmia occurred. Du ring the follow-up interval of 8 +/- 1.3 months, 8 animals died, due to inc omplete perforation of the ascending aorta (3), chronic heart failure (2), pericardial cyst (1), and respiratory failure and infection (2). All remain ing animals were amenable for further studies. Severe LVH was diagnosed wit h routine echocardiography on follow-up. Thus, experimental aortic stenosis in sheep is a safe and relatively simple technique to generate stable LVH. Echocardiography is an easy tool for follow-up evaluations. Due to low com plication rates, the sheep model is well suited for further research in LVH .