Arterial Pouch Microsurgical Bifurcation Aneurysm Model in the Rabbit

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Vascular Surgery
• Animal Models

Background:

• Endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysms is increasingly important.
• Existing animal models lack crucial rheological, hemodynamic, and aneurysm wall conditions.
• A need exists for standardized, reproducible models for testing endovascular devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, standardized, and reproducible surgical technique for creating autologous arterial pouch bifurcation aneurysms in rabbits.
• To create aneurysms with both non-modified and modified (elastase-treated) arterial wall conditions.
• To establish a preclinical model for evaluating endovascular therapies.

Main Methods:

• A microsurgical technique was used to create end-to-side anastomosis of the common carotid arteries in rabbits.
• Arterial pouches were created from autologous grafts, with one group modified using elastase.
• Patency was assessed via fluorescence angiography, and aneurysm characteristics were evaluated using MRI and histology at 28 days.

Main Results:

• The novel rabbit model successfully created patent bifurcation aneurysms in 85.72% of cases at 28 days.
• Both control and modified aneurysms increased in size over time.
• Aneurysm growth was more pronounced in the control group compared to the elastase-modified group.

Conclusions:

• The developed rabbit model is adequate for creating bifurcation aneurysms with varied wall conditions using a microsurgical approach.
• The model demonstrates excellent long-term patency and aneurysm growth, making it valuable for preclinical research.
• This model serves as an important tool for the preclinical evaluation of novel endovascular therapies for intracranial aneurysms.