Production of controlled reversible left ventricular failure in calves using intracoronary lidocaine hydrochloride: a useful method of evaluating left ventricular assist devices.

The experimental production of stable, controlled, short-term left ventricular failure is valuable in the evaluation of implantable circulatory support systems. Acute or chronic left ventricular failure produced by occlusion or embolization of coronary arteries results in muscle dysfunction and degrees of failure that may be difficult to control. The effects of varying amounts of intracoronary lidocaine were studied during short- and long-term evaluations of intracorporeal left ventricular assist pumping. In 8 Hereford calves the left main coronary artery was cannulated with an intracoronary catheter in open and closed chest preparations. Dose-related negative inotropic effects were noted when lidocaine was injected at individual doses of 50, 75, and 100 mg. Following 100 mg doses, mean aortic pressure, cardiac output, and maximum rate of rise of left ventricular pressure decreased; left ventricular end-diastolic pressure increased fourfold. Similar effects were noted with short continuous infusions of lidocaine. The initial responses to injection or continuous infusions, if effective, were noted within 40 to 60 seconds. Several episodes of failure could be produced with either method following recovery periods of 10 to 15 minutes. In all instances, actuation of a left ventricular assist device immediately reversed the hemodynamic effects of the pharmacologically induced failure.