Abstract
For the testing of heart assist devices most animal models of acute cardiac failure that are usually used show certain disadvantages. We therefore developed a new method using the β-adrenoceptor antagonist carazolol. We administered a bolus injection of 1 mg/kg followed by a continuous infusion of 1 mg/kg/h in adult German 'Landrasse' pigs. Blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output and maximum left ventricular pressure rise time showed a significant (P<0.05) reduction of the control value varying between 40% and 59%. The method is suitable for the testing of surgical approaches in heart failure.