Left ventricular failure in calves produced by supravalvular aortic stenosis.

A stable model of left ventricular failure is required to test left ventricular assist devices. Supravalvular aortic constriction will cause left atrial pressure to rise to new levels which are stable for several days. When left atrial pressure becomes unstable, an automatically actuated left ventricular assist device will increase its output and prevent pulmonary edema.