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Updated: Aug 29, 2025
A Modified Technique for Transverse Aortic Constriction in Mice
Published on: August 18, 2022
A Modified Technique for Transverse Aortic Constriction in Mice
Kudusi Abuduwufuer1, James Jiqi Wang1, Huihui Li1
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanism of Cardiological Disorders, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology.
Abstract:
Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) is a frequently used surgery in research regarding heart failure and cardiac hypertrophy based on the formation of pressure overload in mouse models. The main challenge of this procedure is to clearly visualize the transverse aortic arch and precisely band the target vessel. Classical approaches perform a partial thoracotomy to expose the transverse aortic arch. However, it is an open-chest model that causes a rather large surgical trauma and requires a ventilator during the surgery. To prevent unnecessary trauma and simplify the operating procedure, the aortic arch is approached via the proximal proportion of the sternum, reaching and binding the target vessel using a small self-made retractor that contains a snare. This procedure can be conducted without entering the pleura cavity and does not need a ventilator or microsurgical operation, which leaves the mice with physiological breathing patterns, simplifies the procedure, and significantly reduces operation time. Due to the less invasive approach and less operation time, mice can undergo fewer stress reactions and recover rapidly.
Insights
A novel, less invasive surgical method for transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in mice reduces trauma and simplifies procedures. This technique improves mouse recovery and simplifies cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure research.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Animal Models in Research
- Cardiology
Background:
- Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) is a key surgical model for studying heart failure and cardiac hypertrophy in mice.
- Traditional TAC methods involve open-chest surgery (thoracotomy), leading to significant surgical trauma and requiring mechanical ventilation.
- Challenges include precise visualization and ligation of the transverse aortic arch, complicating the procedure and recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a less invasive surgical approach for TAC in mice.
- To simplify the procedure, reduce surgical trauma, and eliminate the need for mechanical ventilation.
- To improve animal welfare and expedite research in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure models.
Main Methods:
- A novel surgical technique approaching the transverse aortic arch via the proximal sternum.
- Utilizes a self-made retractor with a snare for precise vessel banding.
- Performed without entering the pleural cavity, avoiding the need for a ventilator or microsurgery.
Main Results:
- The modified procedure significantly reduces surgical trauma and operation time.
- Mice maintain physiological breathing patterns throughout the surgery.
- Animals exhibit fewer stress responses and demonstrate rapid recovery post-procedure.
Conclusions:
- This less invasive TAC method simplifies the surgical process for researchers.
- It offers a more humane and efficient approach to creating pressure overload models in mice.
- The technique facilitates robust research into cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure with reduced animal distress.
