Establishment of a novel total cavopulmonary connection experimental model

Objective To establish an experimental total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) model in dogs which is closed to clinical operation.Methods Ten adult mongrel dogs were divided into two groups according to the anastomosis site of inferior vena cave (IVC): group I, IVC anastomosed to right pulmonary artery; groupⅡ: IVC anastomosed to main pulmonary artery. Superior vena cave (SVC) was anastomosed to right pulmonary artery in the two groups. The experimental model using extracardiac conduit was developed without bypass.Results The blood circulation in this model was stable within 2?h and was able to sufficiently sustain with the pressure of SVC above the 12?mm?Hg(1?mm?Hg=0.133?kPa).The pulmonary vascular resistant got lower while superior vena cave pressure (SVCP) was increased.Conclusion The experimental dog model of TCPC is closed to clinical operation procedure and is a reliable, acute animal model. The sustained high level of SVCP is the most important factor in the early post operative period of TCPC.