Selective intracranial magnification angiography of the rabbit: basic techniques and anatomy

Development of new therapies for stroke requires animal models with well-defined intracranial vasculature. The rabbit as a small animal model has many desirable traits; however, a modern atlas of rabbit angiographic anatomy is not readily available. Improved digital subtraction magnification angiography and superselective small-catheter techniques now allow excellent anatomical definition. Angiographic techniques include selection of the internal carotid artery and subselection with microcatheters that can progress to branches of the circle of Willis and provide high-resolution cerebral angiography. The authors present an overview of current techniques and illustrations of the angiography of cerebral vessels.