Animal research in pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery

Abstract

Experimental animal models are often part of the process to develop new methods, devices, or discoveries in modern medical science, and choosing the right model is key to the success of any project. The object of animal models is to reproduce human diseases, metabolically and pathophysiologically, to help provide answers of disease pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment. When carrying out any experimental surgical procedure, appropriate anesthesia and effective analgesia (pain control) are essential to minimize the likelihood of pain or distress in the animals being studied. This chapter aims at providing basic tools for the nonanimal specialist in order to make the right choice, to learn the introductory principles of laboratory animal anesthesia, and to appreciate factors that can affect the data obtained, while understanding the social and ethical issues involved in the use of animals in biomedical research.