Ventriculographic evaluation in three rat models of cardiac dysfunction

A modified version of the coronary embolization technique that eliminates the need for thoracoscopy is used to produce chronic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in rats with symptoms resembling that of coronary ligation. Aorto-caval fostula is suitable for producing myocardial hypertrophy, characterized by enhanced plasma atrial natriuretic factor. The evaluation of LV performance and clear presence of systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction are crucial to render the above models as accurate representations of heart failure.