X-ray fluoroscopy system for large animals

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Due to the biological complexity of the cardiovascular system, animal models are indispensable steps in preclinical research to investigate the pathogenesis of the underlying disease, but also to develop and test new therapeutic strategies. These include small animal models e.g. in the mouse or rat, but also large animal models in the pig or sheep. Although large animal models appear more complex to perform, they offer outstanding advantages such as significant similarities to humans in terms of genetic relatedness, structure and function of the heart and vessels. The generation of human-relevant large animal models is mandatory in preclinical cardiovascular research and translation of results to humans. Cardiac catheter-based large animal models enable minimally invasive interventions on the heart, such as implantation of stents, simulation of myocardial infarction or valvular heart disease. Proof-of-concept studies, i.e., confirmation of results from rodent models, are also possible. The House for Experimental Therapy (HET) at the University Hospital of Bonn already provides research groups with several large animal operating rooms. These are equipped with intubation equipment, ventilators and perfusers. Premises are also available for pre- and postoperative care of the large animals. Veterinary staff from the HET with several years of expertise in large animal models can accompany and support projects. The addition of an x-ray fluoroscopy facility would fit seamlessly into the already prevailing conditions and allow translational research with far-reaching therapeutic potential. Multiple cardiology, angiology, cardiac surgery, surgery, and radiology research groups could use the X-ray fluoroscopy facility cooperatively, jointly developing and standardizing models. Within the framework of the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Center TRR259 "Aortic Disease", promising results from laboratory and rodent models are to be transferred to large animal models. Research is being conducted across sites at the University Hospitals in Düsseldorf, Cologne and Bonn with a focus on animal models of aortic valve stenosis and aortic aneurysm. Informative, reproducible and standardized models in mice have been developed and are applied by all working groups of the TRR259. In the future, reliable large animal models will be established to test and further develop potential therapies. By advancing translational research in the field of minimally invasive cardiology, the most promising therapeutic models could move into the clinical trial phase and ultimately contribute to the establishment of new therapeutic strategies in humans. In these innovative preclinical projects with perspective for clinical application, interdisciplinary teams from preclinical and clinical settings work closely together.