Aim To explore and develop a swine model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by coronary occlusion with angioplasty balloon. Methods After anesthesia, 20 mm or 25 mm angioplasty balloon was positioned in the mid-distal left anterior descending (LAD). The balloon was inflated and occluded the LAD for 120 min. Electrocardiography and blood pressure were monitored. Ultrasounography, cTnⅠ and coronary angiography were also investigated to confirm AMI. Results Seven out of eleven pigs underwent successful induction of AMI. Four pigs died of ventricular fibrillation. AMI were confirmed by dynamic changes of electrocardiography, cTnⅠ and further pathology. Regional wall motion abnormalities were found by two dimensional echocardiography one hour after AMI and two weeks late in all pigs. Conclusions A closed chest swine model of AMI is feasible and relatively effective. Some technique problems should be noted.