Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Rodent Inferior Vena Cava Venoplasty Balloon Model
Published on: May 24, 2024
The effect of low-molecular-weight heparin on microvenous thrombosis in a rat model
Kevin S Emerick1, Daniel G Deschler
1Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Objective:
To assess the impact of a low-molecular-weight heparin sodium, dalteparin sodium, on a thrombogenic microvenous anastomosis, using a randomized, blinded animal model.
Methods:
Using male Sprague-Dawley rats, 70 IU/kg of dalteparin sodium (for the treatment group) or isotonic sodium chloride solution (for the control group) were administered subcutaneously in a blinded randomized fashion. Using microsurgical techniques, the femoral venous pedicle was isolated bilaterally. A tuck anastomosis was then performed on each side. Vessel patency was assessed periodically for 3 hours using a strip and refill test. Patency or thrombosis was confirmed by cutting the vessel proximal to the anastomosis and examining the lumen for thrombus.
Results:
A total of 58 venous tuck anastomoses were performed. There was no difference in bleeding complications between the treatment and control groups. The control group had a thrombosis rate of 50%, and the treatment group had a thrombosis rate of 60%. The chi2 analysis does not indicate a statistical difference between these 2 groups (P = .59).
Conclusion:
Low-molecular-weight heparin, at standard therapeutic dosing, may not provide an adequate antithrombotic effect to prevent anastomotic thrombosis in free tissue transfer.
