Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2026
Establishment of a Minimally Invasive Rat Model of Pulmonary Embolism Using Autologous Blood Clots
Published on: October 25, 2024
The effect of subcutaneously administered low-molecular-weight heparin on microarterial thrombosis in the rat
Tessa A Hadlock1, Jennifer Kim, Daniel G Deschler
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114, USA. tessa_hadlock@meei.harvard.edu
Objective:
To examine the effect of administration of a low-molecular-weight heparin derivative, enoxaparin, on the rate of arterial thrombosis in a rat model.
Study Design:
Prospective, randomized, blinded study.
Methods:
A standard microarterial anastomosis tuck injury was created in both femoral arteries of 25 Long Evans retired breeder rats. Thirteen animals received a subcutaneous injection of 50 IU/kg of enoxaparin 2 hours before the procedure, while 12 control animals received vehicle (isotonic sodium chloride solution) alone. Sites of injury/repair were assessed 2 hours after the procedure for anastomotic patency or thrombosis.
Results:
Six (23%) of 26 vessels in the drug-treated group developed an arterial thrombosis at the site of repair, while 6 (25%) of 24 vessels in the control group developed thrombosis. There was no statistically significant difference at the 95% confidence limit between the 2 groups based on a comparison-of-proportions test.
Conclusion:
The preoperative subcutaneous administration of 50 IU/kg of enoxaparin did not alter the rate of arterial thrombosis following the creation of a thrombogenic tuck injury/repair of the rat femoral artery.
