Modified method for direct long-term measurement of aortic pressure in the rabbit

A modification of the method of BROOKS and MUIRHEAD [2] for long-term measurement of aortic pressure in rabbits is presented. The original abdominal surgical approach is replaced by a flank extraperitoneal incision and the construction of the catheter is simplified and adapted to the new surgical procedure. The preparation and implantation of the catheter as well as the pressure recording technique are described. Using the modified catheter pulsatile and mean aortic pressure could be measured in conscious rabbits several months. Owing to the flank approach, surgical trauma and the risk of intra-abdominal infection could be minimized. On the other hand, this technique allowed simultaneous extraperitoneal procedures involving the aorta and kidney, permitting more complex haemodynamic studies.