Bursting pressure of experimental aneurysms

The laser-sealed arteriotomy (LSA) technique was used to create experimental aneurysms in the rat carotid artery. Animals were reexplored 2, 4, and 8 weeks following LSA, at which time the aneurysms were measured and subjected to a bursting strength pressure. In addition, a group of hypertensive rats with LSA was also tested 2 weeks after surgery. The LSA procedure produced aneurysms of a stable size and bursting pressure over the time studied. The bursting pressure technique may be applicable for assessing aneurysm therapy in an experimental setting.