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Updated: May 23, 2026
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A Rabbit Venous Interposition Model Mimicking Revascularization Surgery using Vein Grafts to Assess Intimal Hyperplasia under Arterial Blood Pressure
Published on: May 15, 2020
Oversized vein grafts develop advanced atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic minipigs
Troels Thim1, Mette Kallestrup Hagensen, Arne Hørlyck
1Atherosclerosis Research Unit, Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark. troels.thim@ki.au.dk
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders
|April 3, 2012
Summary
This study developed a hypercholesterolemic minipig model for vein graft atherosclerosis. Oversized grafts showed advanced atherosclerosis, suggesting they may negatively impact patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Surgical Pathology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Accelerated atherosclerosis significantly contributes to late aortocoronary vein graft failure.
- Developing a robust large animal model is crucial for studying vein graft atherosclerosis pathogenesis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a large animal model for investigating vein graft atherosclerosis.
- To evaluate the impact of graft size on atherosclerosis development in a hypercholesterolemic setting.
Main Methods:
- Autologous reversed jugular vein grafts were implanted into the common carotid arteries of hypercholesterolemic minipigs.
- Grafts were assessed 12-14 weeks post-implantation using in vivo ultrasound and angiography, followed by ex vivo microscopy.
Main Results:
- Eight of ten grafts remained patent; one thrombosed early, and one minipig died.
- Patent grafts exhibited significantly increased intima-media thickness compared to controls (712 μm vs. 204 μm).
- Advanced atherosclerotic plaques were observed in 3/4 oversized grafts, but not in non-oversized grafts.
Conclusions:
- The minipig model successfully replicated key features of human vein graft disease, including thrombosis, intimal hyperplasia, and atherosclerosis.
- Advanced atherosclerosis, a primary cause of late graft failure, was predominantly found in oversized grafts.
- This suggests that using oversized vein grafts may adversely affect patient outcomes.
