Research from Vanderbilt University Medical Center Broadens Understanding of Applied Physiology (Pulmonary artery banding in sheep: a novel large animal model for congestive hepatopathy).

A recent study conducted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center has developed a large animal model for congestive hepatopathy, a disease that is becoming more prevalent in Fontan-palliated patients. The researchers used a chronic, progressive pulmonary artery banding model in sheep to replicate congestive hepatopathy and control the level of liver injury. This model provides a higher level of disease control and clinical relevance compared to previous small animal models. Further research is needed to develop better clinical management strategies for this patient population. [Extracted from the article]