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The pony as an animal model for vascular implants
C C Wagner-Mann1, G Hankes, R C Purohit
1Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL 36849-5522.
Summary
The pony is a valuable animal model for vascular implant research, showing comparable responses to antithrombotic drugs and suitable anatomy. Autografts and medicated grafts demonstrated significant patency, supporting its use in preclinical studies.
Area of Science:
- Comparative Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Vascular implant research requires suitable animal models.
- Evaluating the pony as a model for vascular prostheses is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the pony as a viable animal model for vascular implant research.
- To compare the patency rates of carotid artery autografts and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) grafts in ponies.
Main Methods:
- Ponies underwent carotid artery surgery with either autografts or e-PTFE grafts.
- One group received e-PTFE grafts with antithrombotic drugs (aspirin and dipyridamole).
- Graft patency was monitored using ultrasonography and arteriography.
Main Results:
- Autografts exhibited the longest patency (mean 396.2 days).
- e-PTFE grafts with antithrombotic drugs showed improved patency (mean 157.5 days) compared to untreated grafts (mean 61.1 days).
- Ponies demonstrated predictable responses to antithrombotic medications, similar to other models.
Conclusions:
- The pony is a suitable animal model for vascular research due to its anatomy and physiological responses.
- The study supports the use of ponies for evaluating vascular grafts and antithrombotic therapies.