Technical aspects of cardiac catheterization of swine.

Long-term cardiovascular studies requiring repeated cardiac catheterizations often pose technical problems for investigator using swine. The purpose of this paper is to describe two reliable methods of cardiac catheterization that are used in swine to acquire complete hemodynamic data. Due to the depth of the vessels, vascular cut-downs are usually required. Hemodynamic, angiographic, and interventional cardiac catheters are introduced into either the femoral vessels or the external jugular vein and internal carotid artery. An alternative technique that obviates the need for multiple surgeries involves implantation of silastic catheters into both atria. This allows the passage of catheters directly into the heart chambers. A disadvantage of repeated vascular cut-downs is that a reduction of vascular access occurs. Chronic lines require careful attention to prevent infection and maintain patency.