Abstract Body (Do not enter title and authors here): Purpose:
Persistent atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia in the United States, poses substantial health hazards, such as the formation of blood clots, stroke, and heart failure. Despite available therapies such as ablation and antiarrhythmic drugs, there still is no definitive cure for AFib. Our study aims to bridge this gap by investigating the genetic and molecular factors underlying AFib through the development of an AFib model using Yucatan mini swine as the medium that closely mimics human cardiac physiology.
Methods:
We selected Yucátan mini swine as animal models because they closely resemble humans physiologically and are of a convenient size for performing extended experiments. We surgically implanted pacing leads, implantable cardiac monitors (ICMs), and pacing generators into the swine, along with external Fitbark 2.0 Collars to use activity levels as a measurement of quality of life. After the procedures the swine underwent rapid atrial pacing with the intention to induce persistent atrial fibrillation.
Findings:
An electrocardiogram (ECG) showed that the method of stimulating the right atrium of the heart induced persistent atrial fibrillation in pigs and decreased levels of activity, indicating a decline in their general health. This continued for >7 days after atrial pacing was terminated. Overcoming challenges associated with animal dimensions and model design, we devised specific surgical techniques, including jugular cut-down, lateral cervical implantation coupled with antibiotic support, long sheaths, and customized styluses. These innovations were instrumental in achieving a successful AFib model and overcoming anatomical obstacles.
Summary:
Our study demonstrates the feasibility of creating a large animal model of AFib using Yucatan mini swine. This model closely resembles the clinical presentation of human AFib and could provide valuable insights into the disease mechanism and potential therapeutic strategies. Animal heart and vascular dimensions were the most challenging surgically.