[History and Recent Development of Basic Research Using an Experimental Intracranial Aneurysm Model]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Biology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Intracranial aneurysms (IA) exhibit unpredictable progression from initiation to rupture.
• Understanding IA pathophysiology is crucial for developing effective treatments.
• Experimental models are vital tools for studying IA development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical development of IA models.
• To discuss the characteristics of ideal IA models.
• To present updated findings on IA model applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical IA models, starting from the 1954 venous pouch model.
• Description of current widely used models: Hashimoto model (CCA ligation, hypertension) and elastase injection model.
• Inclusion of other models like rabbit basilar top IA and artificial bifurcation models for CFD analysis.

Main Results:

• Early models mimicked IA shape but lacked pathological and hemodynamic accuracy.
• Current models like Hashimoto and elastase injection models better reproduce IA characteristics.
• Advanced models facilitate the understanding of IA as a flow-induced inflammatory condition.

Conclusions:

• IA models have evolved significantly, improving our understanding of IA pathophysiology.
• Current research suggests a role for bacterial flora in regulating vascular inflammation in IA.
• Future developments in IA models are expected to further elucidate disease mechanisms.