Challenges in Perioperative Animal Care for Orthotopic Implantation of Tissue-Engineered Pulmonary Valves in the Ovine Model
10.1007/s13770-020-00285-1
- Author:
Hussam Al HUSSEIN
1
;
Hamida Al HUSSEIN
;
Carmen SIRCUTA
;
Ovidiu S. COTOI
;
Ionela MOVILEANU
;
Dan NISTOR
;
Bogdan CORDOS
;
Radu DEAC
;
Horatiu SUCIU
;
Klara BRINZANIUC
;
Dan T. SIMIONESCU
;
Marius M. HARPA
Author Information
1. Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory ‘‘TERMLab’’, The University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology ‘‘George Emil Palade’’ of Tirgu Mures, 38 Gh. Marinescu Street, 540139 Tirgu Mures, Romania
- Publication Type:O RI G I N A L A R T I C L E
- From:
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
2020;17(6):847-862
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND:Development of valvular substitutes meeting the performance criteria for surgical correction of congenital heart malformations is a major research challenge. The sheep is probably the most widely used animal model in heart valves regenerative medicine. Although the standard cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) technique and various anesthetic and surgical protocols are reported to be feasible and safe, they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. The premise of this paper is that the surgical technique itself, especially the perioperative animal care and management protocol, is essential for successful outcomes and survival.
METHODS:Ten juvenile and adult female sheep aged 7.8–37.5 months and weighing 32.0–58.0 kg underwent orthotopic implantation of tissue-engineered pulmonary valve conduits on beating heart under normothermic CPB. The animals were followed-up for 6 months before scheduled euthanasia.
RESULTS:Based on our observations, we established a guide for perioperative care, follow-up, and treatment containing information regarding the appropriate clinical, biological, and ultrasound examinations and recommendations for feasible and safe anesthetic, surgical, and euthanasia protocols. Specific recommendations were also included for perioperative care of juvenile versus adult sheep.
CONCLUSION:The described surgical technique was feasible, with a low mortality rate and minimal surgical complications. The proposed anesthetic protocol was safe and effective, ensuring both adequate sedation and analgesia as well as rapid recovery from anesthesia without significant complications. The established guide for postoperative care, followup and treatment in sheep after open-heart surgery may help other research teams working in the field of heart valves tissue regeneration.
