High throughput model of mitral regurgitation and myocardial infarction
To investigate the effects of mitral regurgitation on left ventricular dysfunction and onset of congestive heart failure, we are using a beating heart model to induce severe MR with or without a myocardial infarction. A needle is inserted through the ventricular apex into the mitral valve leaflets under echocardiographic guidance, and mitral regurgitation is induced. In this model, the effect of mitral regurgitation on varied settings of the myocardium can be investigated (i.e. young vs. aged ventricle, dilated vs. non-dilated ventricle, healthy vs. ischemic ventricle etc). We are using this model to investigate the effect of different drugs used in mitral regurgitation patients, and determine their efficacy in reducing the onset of heart failure and improving cardiac function.