Matheny

Abstract Date Presented 04/04/19 This descriptive study examined the experience of OT and PT clinicians involved in research. Needs, supports, and barriers were identified for involvement in research. Strategies were discovered to enhance the development of clinical researchers. This new knowledge can foster the preparation of more OT clinician researchers, ensuring achievement of Vision 2025, enhancing effective solutions for participation in everyday life by creating evidence for practice, and improving outcomes. Primary Author and Speaker: Elizabeth Ridgway Additional Authors and Speakers: Carol Terilli, Tim Conly, Joanne Hunt, Donna Kelly, Roseann Schaaf

Background: Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of mortality in United States. Animal models used to test novel HF therapeutics are inadequate as pathological features of human HF are not replicated. Available large-animal swine myocardial ischemia (MI) models mimic human HF; however, do not achieve ejection fractions (EF) less than 40%. Objective: We sought to develop a reproducible swine MI model with EF below 35%. Methods: Yucatan miniature pigs (n=18) were anesthetized, catheterized and collagen suspension (COL) of microfibrillar hemostat (INSTAT MCH, Ethicon) mixed in contrast and saline solution was injected into the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) under fluoroscopic guidance. COL injections started distally and filled side branches during catheter retraction. Complete transient LAD occlusion was confirmed at 2hrs by coronary angiography. Cardiac function was evaluated at 3mos using a 1.5T MRI System (Siemens Magnetom Avanto). LV volumes at end systole (LVESD) and diastole (LVEDD), EF, wall thickness (WT) in area at risk (AAR) and normal zones (NZ) were calculated. Uninjected Yucatan pigs (n=3) served as controls. Results: Twelve of 18 pigs survived COL infarction. At 3mos, EF was reduced in COL injected pigs compared to control (27.0±2.3 vs. 61.6±1.3%, respectively, P<0.001). LVESV and LVEDV were 4- and 2-fold higher and WT in AAR and NZ were reduced 6- and 2-fold, respectively in COL injected compared to controls. Conclusions: A reproducible large animal model of MI was produced by catheter based LAD collagen delivery resulting in EFs below 35% and progression to HF. By closely resembles human HF, it a highly useful for testing potential HF therapies.