An optimized method of vessel dissection in establishment of the rat aortic transplantation model

The high demand for microsurgical skills in those without a strong microsurgery background limits the application of the rat aortic transplant model to transplantation research. In this study, we established a rat aortic transplant model using a hydrodissection technique as a minimal-touch technique in vessel dissection. Eighty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups with equal numbers. In the experimental group, abdominal aortas were harvested using hydrodissection; in the control group, instrumental dissection was used. The harvested aortas were transplanted orthotopically. The mean harvesting and implanting time in the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group (11.8 ± 1.51 versus 23.8 ± 3.38 minutes, P < 0.01; 46 ± 6.07 versus 58.85 ± 5.31 minutes, P < 0.01). Surgical complications in the control group included inferior vena cava injury (2/20), arterial vasospasm (3/20), and arterial wall hemorrhage (1/10). None of these complications were observed in the hydrodissection group. The overall frequency of surgical complications in the hydrodissection group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P < 0.05). This study suggested that the hydrodissection technique is a fast and safe method of vessel dissection. This technique requires less microsurgical skills and optimizes the establishment of the rat aortic transplant model.