Animal Models for Pediatric Circulatory Support Device Pre-Clinical Testing

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) convened a meeting of NIH contractors funded under the Pediatric Circulatory Support program in February 2008. Working groups were formed on major areas of common interest, including a group discussing animal models used for pediatric VAD testing. Animal testing is typically a component of preclinical assessment of circulatory support devices. In the case of devices intended for the pediatric population, the choice of animal model is especially important and challenging. The choice of animal model and the test protocol are dictated by the objectives of the study, which may be multi-factorial. The working group outlined the important factors to consider in designing the animal study. Compromises are required, and no single animal model or study design was recommended for all groups. This report discusses important general study objectives, issues related to specific animal models, and methods that may be utilized to meet study objectives.