Development of a dilated cardiomyopathy heart failure model employing high-rate pacing via an implantable leadless pacemaker: utilized for in situ and ex vivo investigations

Isolated heart failure models are valuable to researchers for multiple uses, including device design. Currently, models often use artificial materials and/or simulated pulsatile pre-clinical models or alternatively, employ animal models which often present obstacles to gaining access to the heart. The Visible Heart (R) apparatus allows researchers to benefit from a live tissue model while increasing access to the heart and adding the abilities to directly visualize the anatomic effects of a therapy or device. This work presents the development of a model to mimic dilated cardiomyopathy in humans by utilizing rapid pacing in swine and subsequently reanimating the heart on the Visible Heart (R) apparatus. This heart failure model allowed for functional assessments, multimodal imaging, and the administrations of various therapeutic approaches.