During the last decade, there has been great interest in the potential use of biologic agents and mechanical techniques to enhance myocardial collateral development. Available experimental methods to detect the effects of interventions designed to improve collateral function include assessment of vascular cell proliferation, quantification of vessel number and size, appraisal of myocardial perfusion, and evaluation of myocardial function. The purpose of this review is to discuss the various experimental approaches for the evaluation of coronary collateral development, highlighting the relative strengths and limitations of the commonly used animal models and methods of assessment.