Ethanol Induction of Complete Heart Block in Swine

Objectives: A method for the induction of complete heart block (CHB) by ethanol injection and its success rate in a pig model of acute right ventricular failure is reported. Additionally, a review of the literature for the induction of CHB in laboratory animals is detailed. The literature review was undertaken to both compare our rate of success with other methods and provide insight into our technique and refine its implementation. Background: Animal models of CHB have facilitated the understanding of therapeutics for various cardiac pathologies in humans. In our laboratory, CHB in pigs is used for complete control of heart rhythm in studies of biventricular pacing. Materials and methods: Experiments carried out on pigs in our laboratory that required the induction of CHB were reviewed retrospectively. In addition, review of the literature for creating CHB in animals was undertaken. Our success rate was compared to that of other groups. Results: Our success rate (93%) is similar to other models of CHB, in general, and to those models that used the injection of caustic substances with thoracotomy. Conclusions: Review of the literature indicates that our success rate is comparable to other groups and that, although many approaches have been described in both open- and closed-chest models, success is likely dependent on the practice and skill of the experimenter. In addition, review of the literature has afforded us new perspectives on the experimental induction of CHB.