Echocardiography.

Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in sedated animals at baseline (pre-MI) and 3 wk post-MI. Two-dimensional echo images (Hewlett Packard 5500) were obtained with a 7.5-mHz probe, and long-axis and short-axis views were performed mimicking those used in human echocardiography. Analysis included dimensions of the LV, fractional shortening, and LV ejection fraction (calculated by simple Quinone’s method) and was performed by an experienced echocardiographer. Functional outcomes were compared between bifurcated and trifurcated cohorts.