An improved method for ECG recording in conscious dogs and monkeys: Pericardial lead placement

Introduction Assessing the effects of new chemical entities on cardiovascular function is an essential component of nonclinical safety evaluation. Regulatory guidelines advocate the use of telemetry to evaluate drug effects on the cardiovascular system of animal including electrocardiogram (ECG) waveforms. Currently, standard method is to place ECG electrodes subcutaneously and the ECG signals have a suboptimal signal mainly due to movement artifacts. In order to improve and optimize the ECG signal and minimize movement artifacts, a model for continuous monitoring of the ECG in conscious, unrestrained animals by placing ECG electrodes on the pericardium was evaluated.