A guide to the porcine anatomy for the interventional electrophysiologist. Fluoroscopy and high density electroanatomical mapping.

Invasive electrophysiology is a rapidly developing field of cardiovascular science with a constant need for inventions and testing of new technologies and concepts. Despite the swine model being an established tool in biomedical research no comprehensive guide for interventional electrophysiologists exists. The aim of the current article is to provide a practical overview of the pig anatomy, fluoroscopic views, and corresponding high density electroanatomic maps using a novel mapping system and a practical guide for interventions and techniques. In 17 pigs, fluoroscopic images of the right atrium, coronary sinus (CS), left atrium, and pulmonary veins as well as the right and left ventricles were obtained and correlated with ultra-high density electroanatomic maps and gross anatomy. Pitfalls of the porcine anatomy are precisely addressed, and alternative access techniques to overcome those issues are suggested. Important differences to human electrophysiological studies are highlighted. Complementary models such as cardiac ischemia induction or renal and pulmonary artery denervation are discussed in detail.