Use of Isolated Heart System for Cardiovascular Research and Testing of Novel Antiarrhythmics Drugs (Workshop)
(11th February 2026; In-person workshop)
Characteristics of the course:
This workshop offers an introduction to the principles and applications of the isolated heart (Langendorff) system in cardiovascular research and drug development. The program combines a theoretical overview with a hands-on practical session conducted in an organ physiology laboratory.
The theoretical part focuses on the pathophysiology of selected cardiac disorders, the use of the isolated heart model in preclinical cardiovascular research, and its relevance in translational studies and scientific literature. The practical session provides direct experience with the preparation and use of a Langendorff-perfused heart.
Participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to the isolated heart (ex vivo) system, including:
- setup, calibration, and maintenance of a viable Langendorff-perfused heart,
- administration of test compounds and monitoring of key functional parameters such as ECG, aortic pressure, coronary flow, heart rate, and ischemic zone size,
- induction of coronary artery occlusion and regional ischemia as a model of myocardial infarction,
- reliable induction of ischemia-related ventricular tachyarrhythmias and identification of ischemic and reperfusion-associated ECG changes,
- understanding the mechanisms of reperfusion injury and evaluation of the efficacy of novel antiarrhythmic drugs,
- data acquisition and interpretation, including identification of physiological signals, avoidance of common artifacts, and basic pharmacodynamic analysis of cardioactive compounds.
Participants:
The workshop is intended for members of the general public and professionals interested in isolated heart systems, cardiovascular research, and testing the effects of pharmacological compounds on cardiac function.
Participants will deepen their understanding of the pathophysiology of ventricular arrhythmias and myocardial infarction and learn about the importance of Langendorff heart models in translational cardiovascular research.
Course content:
- (Lecture) Cardiovascular disorders and the use of isolated heart systems in preclinical research
13:00–14:00
Dr. Jana Hložková, Ph.D. | Mgr. Ahmet Davut Aksu, MSc. - (Practical session) Preparation of the Langendorff heart system and regional ischemia models
Perfusion of the isolated heart, implementation of two regional ischemia models, data acquisition and interpretation, and basic pharmacodynamic analysis of potential novel antiarrhythmic compounds.
14:00–16:00
Mgr. Ahmet Davut Aksu, MSc.
The sequence of individual lectures will be specified. The specific topics of the lectures are not tied to specific dates.
Timeline:
- Date: 11 February 2026
- Time: 13:00–16:00
- Theoretical part: starts at 13:00
-
Practical part: starts at 14:00
Lecturers:
- Mgr. Ahmet Davut Aksu, MSc.
- MVDr. Peter Scheer, Ph.D.
- MVDr. Jana Hložková, Ph.D.
Capacity:
- 20 participants
Form and language of the course:
The workshop will be in-person and will be conducted in English and Czech
Venue:
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk University
- Palackého třída 1946/1, Brno, building No. 44. 2nd floor, lab No 250.
Registration:
Through MUNI Shopping Center
Mgr. Ahmet Davut Aksu, MSc.: He completed his masters degree at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Istanbul and began his doctoral studies at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk University in Brno. He is currently pursuing his PhD at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, where he has developed strong expertise in isolated heart system and preclinical testing of novel cardiovascular drugs. During his PhD, he has participated in research projects, with a particular focus on the analysis of potential antiarrhythmic agents using isolated heart models. He is also actively involved in translational stroke research, with a focus on the efficacy analysis of new thrombolytics, and completed a research stay abroad where he gained experience with ischemic stroke animal models.
