Establishment of Carotid Artery Dissection and MRI Findings in a Swine Model

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Neurology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Carotid artery dissection (CAD) is a primary cause of ischemic stroke in young individuals.
• The precise etiology and pathophysiology of CAD are not fully understood.
• Existing research lacks robust animal models for studying CAD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a reliable animal model for carotid artery dissection (CAD).
• To investigate the morphological outcomes of CAD based on dissection size.
• To provide a platform for future research into CAD etiology and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Two types of dissections were created in swine carotid arteries between the media and intima.
• Ultrasound was used for immediate assessment of blood flow and intimal integrity.
• Digital subtraction angiography (DSA), MRI, and H&E staining were employed for detailed morphological analysis at 72 hours and 7 days post-dissection.

Main Results:

• A successful CAD model was established in 10 out of 12 swine using a detacher and balloon dilation.
• Group I (1.5 cm × 1/3 intimal circumference) showed 33.67 ± 5.66% stenosis.
• Group II (1.5 cm × 2/3 intimal circumference) resulted in total vessel occlusion.
• Morphological outcomes were directly correlated with the size of the intimal incision.

Conclusions:

• The developed swine model accurately replicates carotid artery dissection (CAD) with varying degrees of stenosis and occlusion.
• This model provides a valuable tool for investigating the pathophysiology of CAD.
• Further research using this model can explore therapeutic strategies for CAD and ischemic stroke.