Review of Heterotopic Heart Transplantation Models in Rats

Heterotopic heart transplantation (HHT) in rats is a valuable tool for cardiac transplantation research. While abdominal HHT has been established in rats for nearly 90 years, novel approaches involving cervical and femoral techniques have also been explored. The abdominal HHT model, despite its long history, is technically demanding and has a steep learning curve. In contrast, the cervical HHT model enables surgeons with more basic microsurgical skills to achieve competency more quickly while producing comparable outcomes. The femoral HHT model offers the possibility of retransplantation but is equally, if not more, technically challenging than the abdominal model. This article aims to review the existing models available to researchers and provide a guidance for each technique.