ObjectiveTo compare the effects of two combined anesthesia on cardiac catheterization in minipigs.Methods Twelve minipigs were anesthetized with either pentobarbital sodium and ketamine (group Ⅰ) or propofol and ketamine (group Ⅱ). Vital signs were observed and anesthetic effects were evaluated during the perioperative period. ResultsAll animals were alive. The response time and recovery time were 7.6±2.4 vs. 2.4±1.4 min, 30.8±8.8 vs. 16.5±2.8 min, group Ⅰ vs. group Ⅱ, P＜0.05. There were no significant differences in the heart rate and respiratory rate. Propofol and ketamine anesthesia got a better anaesthetic effect. Conclusions Both the two ways of anesthesia can be applied in large animal experiments. Propofol combined with katamine anesthesia can achieve a better anaesthetic effect and earlier recovery, and appears to be a satisfactory method for pigs during surgical operation.