Experimental studies of atrial fibrillation: a comparison of two pacing models

Abstract

Rapid ventricular pacing (RVP) is a well-established animal model of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, this model is limited by a high mortality rate and severe heart failure. The purpose of our study was to assess a new canine model of inducible AF. We performed acute, short-term, simultaneous atrioventricular pacing (SAVP) and RVP (in random order) in 14 dogs for 30 s. SAVP produced more echocardiographic pulmonary venous flow reversal, a greater increase in mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and a significantly greater decrease in left atrial emptying function (-84.4 +/- 38.6% vs. -23.7 +/- 27.1%, P < 0.05) than RVP. Thirty dogs were randomized to three, longer-term, study groups: ..