ObjectiveTo explore the learning process, critical steps and complication prevention of heterotopic abdominal heart transplantation (HAHT) model in rats,and effectively improve the learning process and shorten the learning curve. MethodsSurgical experience of 146 rats of HAHT from October 2012 to January 2013 was summarized. Operation time,successful rate and failure reasons were analyzed. ResultsA training time of 140-150 hours was needed to successfully master surgical skills of HAHT in rats. Average operation time was 83±27 minutes. There were 105 successful HAHT rats (72%) and 41 failed HAHT rats(28%) among 146 HAHT rats. Major failure reasons included hemorrhagic shock (16 rats,39%) grafted heart rebeating failure (7 rats,17%) and anastomotic stenosis (7 rats,17%). ConclusionVascular anastomosis is the key procedure for the establishment of HAHT model in rats.