7
Views
9
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Article

Multiple In Vivo Full-Thickness Myocardial Biopsies by Freeze-Clamping

, , &
Pages 143-147 | Published online: 09 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

A technique was developed to permit multiple large biopsies of the in vivo myocardium to measure certain metabolites (ATP, CP, myocardial glycogen, lactate) with minimal chance of ventricular fibrillation or severe alterations in the heart's ability to maintain BP. Adult pigs with normal hearts (n = 9) as well as with hypertrophy (n = 5) created by aortic banding 3–4 months prior were anesthetized, intubated, and ventilated. After a sternotomy, the pericardium was opened and the epicardial surface was cleared of any adhesions. Biopsies were taken from the distal to proximal end of the heart. A suture (3-0 Prolene) was placed in a figure-eight pattern in the area to be biopsied. A piece of the myocardium (50–100 mg) was grasped using a pair of narrow dressing forceps and frozen in liquid nitrogen. When the sample was completely frozen, a No. 11 scalpel blade, held at a 90° angle to the epicardium throughout the cut, was used to carve out the full thickness biopsy. The sample was placed immediately in liquid nitrogen. The myocardial defect was repaired by using the previously placed suture buttressed with pieces of subcutaneous fat to prevent tearing the epicardial surface. This in vivo biopsy method has negligible complications and can be repeated or taught with constant reliability.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.