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Experimental models of complete heart block

Experimentelle Modelle des totalen Herzblocks

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Summary

Methods of creating experimental complete heart block developed since 1883 are reviewed in detail. The three most commonly used techniques at present are: (I) Thoracotomy, atriotomy and ligation of the A-V bundle. (II) Thoracotomy and injection of a chemical into the A-V node or bundle. (III) Injection of a chemical through a transvenous catheter into the node or bundle. The results in different species, complications, and variations in procedure are discussed. The bibliography provides a comprehensive index of work performed in animals with experimental complete heart block. We produced complete heart block in sixteen pigs but subsequently elven died duringStokes-Adams attacks. Pigs have not been used previously as models of heart block for experimental purposes and prophylactic pacing appears mandatory in this species.

Zusamenfassung

Die seit 1883 entwickelten Methoden für die experimentelle Herstellung eines totalen Herzblocks werden besprochen. Die drei derzeit am häufigsten verwendeten Methoden sind: (I) Thorakotomie, Atriotomie und Ligatur des Atrioventrikularbündels; (II) Thorakotomie und Injektion eines chemischen Präparates in den Atrioventrikularknoten; (III) Injektion eines chemischen Präparates in den Knoten oder in das Bündel mit Hilfe eines Venenkatheters. Die Resultate aufgrund der verschiedenen Methoden sowie die Komplikationen werden diskutiert.

Schweine waren bisher als Modell für einen experimentellen Herzblock nicht verwendet worden. In eigenen Experimenten erzeugten wir einen totalen Herzblock bei 16 Schweinen, von denen 11 unter den Erscheinungen einesAdams-Stokesschen Anfalls starben. Der prophylaktische Einsatz eines Schrittmachers erscheint daher erforderlich.

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  1. E. K. Weir, I. F. McMurtry & R. F. Grover

    Present address: Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, USA

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    Weir, E.K., McMurtry, I.F. & Grover, R.F. Experimental models of complete heart block. Basic Res Cardiol 70, 446–455 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01914340

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