An isolated pig heart for the development, validation and translation of novel magnetic resonance techniques

Abstract

Introduction Novel magnetic resonance (MR) techniques and imaging biomarkers are often validated in small animal models or empirically in patients. The direct translation of small animal cardiac MR imaging protocols to humans is rarely possible, while validation of novel imaging techniques in humans by tracking changes in MR biomarkers in response to externally controlled changes in blood flow, for example, is difficult, or unethical. An isolated bloodperfused pig heart model which closely resembles human physiology, anatomy and size, can be exquisitely controlled in terms of regional blood flow, oxygenation, afterload and workload, and can be imaged by the same equipment used for humans. It would therefore be a valuable tool for the development, validation and translation of novel magnetic resonance techniques.