Can neck size in elastase-induced aneurysms be controlled? A retrospective study.

Area of Science:

• Vascular surgery
• Preclinical research
• Medical device engineering

Background:

• Reproducible animal models are essential for evaluating aneurysm therapies.
• Controlling aneurysm neck size is critical for accurate preclinical assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if balloon occlusion positioning influences the neck size of elastase-induced aneurysms in rabbits.
• To determine optimal balloon placement for creating narrow-necked aneurysms.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 72 elastase-induced aneurysms in rabbits.
• Grouping based on temporary balloon occlusion position relative to the right common carotid artery (CCA) origin.
• Statistical comparison of aneurysm neck diameter, dome/neck ratio, and parent artery dilation across groups.

Main Results:

• Significantly wider mean neck diameter and higher proportion of wide-necked aneurysms in group 1 (lowest balloon position) compared to group 2 (intermediate position).
• Group 1 exhibited a smaller mean dome/neck ratio than group 2.
• No significant differences in aneurysm width, height, or parent artery dilation between groups 1 and 2; no aneurysms formed in group 3 (highest position).

Conclusions:

• Aneurysm neck size can be effectively controlled by adjusting temporary balloon occlusion position.
• Balloon positioning bridging the CCA to subclavian/brachiocephalic arteries results in narrow-necked aneurysms.
• This technique offers a method for generating reproducible aneurysm models for therapy assessment.