Thromboembolic phenomena and the use of the pig as an appropriate animal model for research on cardiovascular devices

Appropriate animal models are essential for studying the early and late mechanisms involved in the initiation of thromboembolism associated with cardiovascular devices. It is clear that a complex interaction between fluid mechanical factors, device geometry, and coagulation phenomena defines the limitations of these devices. An appropriate animal model must be large enough to use devices designed for humans, because size and geometry significantly influence the fluid mechanics. It is also essential that the animal model mimic as closely as possible the mechanisms of coagulation, clotting, and thromboembolism present in humans.