Continuous electrocardiogram monitoring in porcine model of myocardial ischemia reperfusion

As cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of global mortality, innovative animal models are vital to demonstrating the translational value of experimental discoveries. Investigations focused on myocardial remodeling after ischemia reperfusion (I/R) are well suited to a porcine model, but the evolution of that injury and its impact on electrical conductivity or arrhythmia threshold have been difficult to monitor continuously. Multiple electrode telemetry devices may be fitted to the animals but are costly and prone to damage. Implantable telemetry devices are likewise expensive, carry surgical risk, and are often verified only for single use. Here, we report the utilization of the commercially available Fourth Frontier X2 external telemetry device for continuous monitoring of heart rate and rhythm after myocardial I/R injury in pigs, highlighting sustained monitoring across a 7-day study.