AUTHOR=Zhang Xiaofeng , Li Jingtao , Zeng Decai , Liang Chunting , Zhong Yanfen , Huang Tongtong , Mo Yingying , Rao Huaqing , Pan Xiaoxiong , Wu Ji 

TITLE=A novel method for measuring pulmonary artery pressure by high-frequency ultrasound-guided transthoracic puncture in rats

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2022.995728

DOI=10.3389/fcvm.2022.995728

ISSN=2297-055X

ABSTRACT=Abstract
Objectives: Pulmonary artery pressure measurement is key to verifying the success of the rat model of pulmonary hypertension. We herein demonstrate a novel method for measuring pulmonary artery pressure through high-frequency ultrasound-guided transthoracic puncture in rats. The efficacy and time of this novel method are also discussed.  
Methods:  A single subcutaneous injection of monocrotaline (MCT) was used to establish a rat model of pulmonary hypertension. The tip of that puncture cannula was maintained at a certain angle after the needle core was removed through heat shaping method. In the short-axis section of the parasternal aorta, in-plane real-time guided trocar puncture of the right ventricular outflow tract was performed. The external pressure sensor was used to record the real-time waveform, right ventricular systolic pressure, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and diastolic pressure. 
Results: The success rates of which using this novel method in the model group and the control group were 88.5% and 86.7%, respectively, and the puncture pressure measurement time was 164±31s and 235±50s, respectively. The model group's right ventricular systolic blood pressure, pulmonary systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were higher than those in the control group. 
Conclusions: The modified method for trocar is helpful for accurately positioning pulmonary artery manometry. The method described in this paper has a high success rate and short operation time. It can simultaneously measure systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean pressure of the right ventricle and pulmonary artery. It has a broad application prospect in verifying the rat pulmonary hypertension model and pulmonary artery pressure monitoring.