Abstract: Objective To assess a minipig model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) established by percutaneous balloon
occlusion using delayed-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI). Methods A minipig model of AMI was established
by placement of a 2.0 mm× 15.0 mm percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty balloon in the middle left anterior
descending artery (LAD) through a percutaneous femoral puncture in the right inguinal region. The left anterior descending
coronary artery (LAD) was occluded for 90 min, followed by assessment of the infarct size and cardiac function with DE-MRI,
and the results were confirmed by pathological examination. Results DE-MRI showed a mean infarcts size of 10.2±2.9 cm3 in
the minipig models. Compared to the control group, the minipigs with AMI had significantly increased end-diastolic and
end-systolic volumes (P<0.05) with a decreased stroke volume, ejection fraction and cardiac output (P<0.001). These DE-MRI
values were matched with the microsphere values obtained from short-axis slices in pathological examination. Conclusion We
have established a feasible approach for evaluating minipig models of AMI as a platform for assessing the therapeutic effect of
stem cell transplantation for AMI.