Effect of epicardial application of amiodarone-releasing hydrogel on heart rate in an animal model

The purpose of the experiment was to study the safety of local epicardial use of the hydrogel with amiodarone, as well as the influence of its different dosages on the heart rate of mongrel rabbits. The epicardial application of the hydrogel material with amiodarone was performed in 46 rabbits. Rabbits were divided into 5 groups: Group No. 1-dose of amiodarone in the hydrogel 1 mg, Group No. 2-dose 3 mg; Group No. 3-dose 6 mg; Group No. 4-hydrogel without amiodarone; Group No. 5-amiodarone intravenously, 60 mg. The application of hydrogel with amiodarone is not accompanied by a systemic inflammatory reaction. In group No. 2, there was a significant reduction in the heart rate (before surgery: 158±16, after: 130±11, (P