In vivo flow visualization of induced saccular cerebral aneurysms in rats

A surgical procedure to expose the arterial bifurcation at the base of the rat brain was developed without sacrificing the animal. Using this technique, visualization of flow in and around the induced cerebral aneurysm was achieved by detecting and following fluorescent particles in the blood stream. Cerebral aneurysms were produced by ligating one common carotid artery, inducing experimental hypertension and feeding them with beta-aminopropionitrile. Flow studies of the arterial bifurcation with an early aneurysmal formation showed that there were spiral flows proximal and distal to the bifurcation. This was the first direct visualization of the actual flow in and around cerebral aneurysms in a vital state. This technology can add further information on the development, growth and rupture of cerebral aneurysms.