A novel hybrid method for creating a porcine model of cyanotic congenital heart defect with decreased pulmonary blood flow.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To create an experimental model of cyanotic congenital heart defect with decreased pulmonary blood flow using a novel hybrid method. METHODS: A model of congenital heart defect with decreased pulmonary blood flow and chronic cyanosis was produced surgically in eight piglets (mean, 2 mo old). An artificial atrial septal defect was created followed by pulmonary artery banding to generate a systolic pressure gradient at 2 mo of > or = 50 mm Hg (cyanotic group). Another eight piglets underwent a sham operation (control group). RESULTS: There were six long-term survivors in the cyanotic group. At a mean duration of 2 mo following the hybrid procedure, the resting gradient across the pulmonary artery band was 53.7 mm Hg. The Qp/Qs reached 0.54:1. The arterial oxygen tension, arterial oxygen saturation, hematocrit, and hemoglobin concentration were 52.9 mm Hg, 85.6%, 49.8%, and 16.6 g/dL in the cyanotic group versus 118.0 mm Hg, 98.0%, 37.9%, and 12.2 g/dL in the control group, respectively (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A porcine model of cyanotic congenital heart defect with decreased pulmonary blood flow was established by a hybrid method. Application of this experimental design may enhance our understanding and possibly influence the treatment of patients who have cyanotic heart disease with decreased pulmonary blood flow.