Intravenous Dabigatran Provides Adequate Anticoagulation for Cardiopulmonary Bypass Using a Rabbit Model.

Background: Heparin anticoagulation has been used successfully for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, an alternative anticoagulant approach is desirable due to the cases of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Dabigatran provides anticoagulation for an in vitro model of simulated CPB.

A modified LVAD technique to augment caval and pulmonary arterial blood flow in the "failing Fontan" circulation.

Background: There are minimal circulatory support options for patients with a failing Fontan. The Heartmate II (HMII) left ventricular assist device (Thoratec, Bedford, MA) in its packaged state cannot augment caval/pulmonary arterial blood flow.

Aim: We hypothesized that a modified HMII pump could augment caval and pulmonary arterial blood flow.

Safety and clinical effectiveness of a compounded sustained-release formulation of buprenorphine for postoperative analgesia in New Zealand White rabbits.

Objective: To determine the clinical effectiveness and safety of a compounded sustained-release formulation of buprenorphine, compared with effects of regular buprenorphine, for postoperative analgesia in rabbits.

Design: Blinded randomized controlled clinical trial.

Animals: 24 purpose-bred adult male New Zealand White rabbits.

Sheep (Ovis aries) as a model for cardiovascular surgery and management before, during, and after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Because of its similarity to humans in important respects, sheep (Ovis aries) are a common animal model for translational research in cardiovascular surgery. However, some unique aspects of sheep anatomy and physiology present challenges to its use in these complicated experiments. In this review, we discuss relevant anatomy and physiology of sheep and discuss management before, during, and after procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass to provide a concise source of information for veterinarians, technicians, and researchers developing and implementing protocols with this model.