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Updated: May 31, 2026

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Microsurgical Creation of Giant Bifurcation Aneurysms in Rabbits for the Evaluation of Endovascular Devices
Published on: September 8, 2023
Evaluation of a second-generation self-expanding variable-porosity flow diverter in a rabbit elastase aneurysm model
C N Ionita1, S K Natarajan, W Wang
1Department of Radiology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, USA.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|July 16, 2011
Summary
The V-POD device effectively treated rabbit aneurysms, showing high occlusion rates and advanced healing. This flow-diverting stent demonstrates feasibility for future aneurysm treatment applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Vascular Surgery
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- The V-POD is a second-generation flow-diverting device featuring a low-porosity PTFE patch on a self-expanding microstent.
- Flow diversion is a key strategy for treating complex intracranial aneurysms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the V-POD device for treating elastase-induced aneurysms in a rabbit model.
- To assess the device's efficacy in promoting aneurysm healing and occlusion.
Main Methods:
- Three V-POD configurations were tested in rabbits with induced aneurysms.
- Evaluation involved angiography, cone-beam micro-CT, histology, and SEM.
- Aneurysm flow modification was quantified by comparing pre- and post-stent contrast volume ratios.
Main Results:
- Successful treatment was achieved in 16 aneurysms, with 63% showing complete occlusion at 4 weeks.
- Immediate post-deployment flow reduction (0.13% ratio) significantly correlated with occlusion.
- Micro-CT showed 96% occlusion, histology indicated advanced healing in 13/16 cases, and SEM revealed significant endothelialization.
Conclusions:
- The V-POD device demonstrated feasibility and effectiveness in promoting aneurysm healing within a rabbit elastase model.
- The study supports the V-POD's potential as a therapeutic option for aneurysm treatment.

