Dual Arterial Cannulation for Aortic Surgical Procedures in Adult Sheep

Background/Aims: Preclinical site-specific placement of valvular prostheses is highly recommended to fully appreciate hemodynamics. An ovine model is commonly used for preclinical prosthetic mitral valve evaluation; however, the ideal animal model for prosthetic aortic valve evaluation has yet to be determined. Past studies have utilized adult sheep for prosthetic aortic valve replacement; however, an anatomically short length of the ascending aorta can present a surgical challenge during implantation. Due to this anatomically short length of the ascending aorta, we designed an arterial cannulation technique for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to provide a more ideal operative setting. Methods: Dual arterial cannulation for CPB was used in adult Polypay sheep (n = 15) subjected to an aortic root/valve surgical procedure. Results: The arterial cannulation technique described in this paper was successful in performing aortic root/valve surgical procedures in adult sheep. All animals survived the operative procedure without complications. Postoperatively, all animals were alert, neurologically intact and assumed normal daily functions following extubation, which continued throughout their survival. Conclusions: The use of this arterial cannulation technique was safe, provided better visualization of the aortic root/valve area, less difficulty in performing the aortic root/valve surgical procedure, and less observed tissue tension while closing the aortotomy.