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Step By Step: Microsurgical training method combining two nonliving animal models
Published on: May 9, 2015
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Microsurgical Bypass Training Rat Model: Part 2-Anastomosis Configurations
Ali Tayebi Meybodi1, Michael T Lawton1, Sonia Yousef1
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Skull Base and Cerebrovascular Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.
World Neurosurgery
|June 24, 2017
Summary
This study demonstrates that rat abdominal aorta and common iliac arteries are suitable for practicing cerebrovascular bypass anastomosis techniques. These findings optimize preclinical training models for microsurgical skills.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Microsurgery
- Preclinical Research
Background:
- Microsurgical anastomosis is critical for successful cerebrovascular bypass surgery.
- Rodent models are valuable for preclinical bypass training.
- Existing animal models have limitations for practicing diverse anastomosis configurations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize the use of rat abdominal aorta and common iliac arteries (CIA) for practicing three main cerebrovascular anastomosis types.
- To evaluate the feasibility of different anastomosis configurations in rats.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen Sprague-Dawley rats underwent anesthesia and surgical exposure of the abdominal aorta and CIAs.
- Measurements of aortic branch distances were taken to identify optimal end-to-end anastomosis sites.
- Assessment of side-to-side and end-to-side anastomosis feasibility between CIAs was performed.
Main Results:
- All bypass configurations were achievable between the left renal artery and CIA bifurcation.
- Longest available aortic segments without major branches measured up to 16.9 mm.
- Side-to-side anastomosis between CIAs averaged 7.6 mm, and end-to-side reimplantation averaged 9.1 mm.
Conclusions:
- Rat abdominal aorta and CIAs effectively support all anastomosis configurations used in cerebral revascularization.
- The study provides anatomical details and technical insights for practicing various bypass configurations in rats.
