Current rat models of extracorporeal life support following global ischaemia: a scoping review

Authors: Johannes Dinkelaker, Jan-Steffen Pooth, Georg Trummer, Sonja Bröer, Hans-Jörg Busch, Marius Schimmel, Jakob Wollborn & Sam Joé Brixius

This scoping review provides a comprehensive overview of rat models used to study extracorporeal life support (ECLS) following global ischaemia. Through a systematic search of major databases from 2000 to 2024, the review identified 79 relevant studies, highlighting the predominant use of male Sprague Dawley rats and common reliance on roller pump-based ECLS systems with standardised cannulation approaches. The analysis also categorises models into key clinical scenarios, including extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, emergency preservation and resuscitation, and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

The findings reveal substantial methodological heterogeneity across studies, particularly in ischaemia induction, ECLS protocols, outcome measures, and reporting practices, alongside inconsistent documentation of animal characteristics and analgesia use. Despite these limitations, rat models remain valuable tools for investigating pathophysiological mechanisms and advancing translational research in ECLS. The authors emphasise the need for improved standardisation and adherence to reporting guidelines to enhance reproducibility and clinical applicability.