Microsurgically Induced Pure Arterial Aneurysm Model in Rats

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was to develop a reliable and reproducible arterial aneurysm model for microsurgical training and further research with dimensions comparable to those encountered in aneurysms in humans.

Methods: The arterial aneurysm models were created microsurgically at the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta using a graft of the carotid artery in 20 Wistar rats.

Results: The aneurysms were created successfully and no complications occurred. The average volume of this arterial aneurysm model was 35.19±5.64 mm³. The time required to create this kind of aneurysm was 192±14.4 min. The central zone of blood inflow into the aneurysm was not affected by any thrombus formation.

Conclusion: The presented model at the aortic bifurcation in the rat is reliable and immediately available for microsurgical and technical training as well as for scientific studies on aneurysms. Since this kind of model also reproduces arterial aneurysms, basic techniques such as suturing and microtechniques needed for the dissection and repair of vessels can be taught during its creation.

arterial aneurysm - microvascular creation - animal model - experimental - rat

References

• 1 Molyneux A, Kerr R, Stratton I. et al . International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT) of neurosurgical clipping versus endovascular coiling in 2143 patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms: a randomised trial.  Lancet. 2002;  360 1267-1274
• 2 Niemela M, Koivisto T, Kivipelto L. et al . Microsurgical clipping of cerebral aneurysms after the ISAT Study.  Acta Neurochir Suppl. 2005;  94 3-6
• 3 Aboud E, Al-Mefty O, Yasargil MG. New laboratory model for neurosurgical training that simulates live surgery.  J Neurosurg. 2002;  97 1367-1372
• 4 Matsumura N, Hayashi N, Hamada H. et al . A newly designed training tool for microvascular anastomosis techniques: microvascular practice card.  Surgical Neurology. 2009;  71 616-620
• 5 Menovsky T. A human skull cast model for training of intracranial microneurosurgical skills.  Microsurgery. 2000;  20 311-313
• 6 Johnston SC, Zhao S, Dudley RA. et al . Treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysms in California.  Stroke. 2001;  32 597-605
• 7 Johansson M, Norback O, Gal G. et al . Clinical outcome after endovascular coil embolization in elderly patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.  Neuroradiology. 2004;  46 385-391
• 8 Strother CM, Graves VB, Rappe A. Aneurysm hemodynamics: an experimental study.  AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 1992;  13 1089-1095
• 9 Yasargil MG. Microsurgical Anatomy of the Basal Cisterns and Vessels of the Brain. Diagnostic Studies, General Operative Techniques and Pathological Considerations of the Intracranial Aneurysms.. In: Microneurosurgery. New York Georg Thieme Verlag; 1984: 54-128 279–303
• 10 Marjamaa J, Tulamo R, Frosen J. et al . Occlusion of neck remnant in experimental rat aneurysms after treatment with platinum- or polyglycolic-polylactic acid-coated coils.  Surg Neurol. 2009;  71 458-465 ; discussion 465
• 11 Mucke T, Scholz M, Kesting MR. et al . Microsurgically induced aneurysm models in rats, Part II: clipping, shrinking and micro-Doppler sonography.  Minim Invasive Neurosurg. 2008;  51 6-10
• 12 Guglielmi G, Ji C, Massoud TF. et al . Experimental saccular aneurysms. II. A new model in swine.  Neuroradiology. 1994;  36 547-550
• 13 Hoh BL, Rabinov JD, Pryor JC. et al . A modified technique for using elastase to create saccular aneurysms in animals that histologically and hemodynamically resemble aneurysms in human.  Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2004;  146 705-711
• 14 Krings T, Busch C, Sellhaus B. et al . Long-term histological and scanning electron microscopy results of endovascular and operative treatments of experimentally induced aneurysms in the rabbit.  Neurosurgery. 2006;  59 911-923 ; discussion 923–914
• 15 Krings T, Moller-Hartmann W, Hans FJ. et al . A refined method for creating saccular aneurysms in the rabbit.  Neuroradiology. 2003;  45 423-429
• 16 Spetzger U, Reul J, Weis J. et al . Endovascular coil embolization of microsurgically produced experimental bifurcation aneurysms in rabbits.  Surg Neurol. 1998;  49 491-494
• 17 Spetzger U, Reul J, Weis J. et al . Microsurgically produced bifurcation aneurysms in a rabbit model for endovascular coil embolization.  J Neurosurg. 1996;  85 488-495
• 18 Kallmes DF, Helm GA, Hudson SB. et al . Histologic evaluation of platinum coil embolization in an aneurysm model in rabbits.  Radiology. 1999;  213 217-222
• 19 Lee D, Yuki I, Murayama Y. et al . Thrombus organization and healing in the swine experimental aneurysm model. Part I. A histological and molecular analysis.  J Neurosurg. 2007;  107 94-108
• 20 Guerreiro NE, Colli BO, Carlotti Jr CG. et al . Experimental microaneurysms in rats: I. Model for induction.  Surg Neurol. 2004;  62 406-412
• 21 Handa H, Hashimoto N, Nagata I. et al . Saccular cerebral aneurysms in rats: a newly developed animal model of the disease.  Stroke. 1983;  14 857-866
• 22 Kirse DJ, Flock S, Teo C. et al . Construction of a vein-pouch aneurysm at a surgically created carotid bifurcation in the rat.  Microsurgery. 1996;  17 681-689
• 23 Thiex R, Moller-Hartmann W, Hans FJ. et al . Are the configuration and neck morphology of experimental aneurysms predictable?.  A technical approach. Neuroradiology. 2004;  46 571-576
• 24 Scholz M, Mucke T, During M. et al . Microsurgically induced aneurysm models in rats, part I: techniques and histological examination.  Minim Invasive Neurosurg. 2008;  51 76-82
• 25 Abruzzo T, Shengelaia GG, Dawson 3rd RC. et al . Histologic and morphologic comparison of experimental aneurysms with human intracranial aneurysms.  AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 1998;  19 1309-1314
• 26 Scholz M, Mucke T, Holzle F. et al . A program of microsurgical training for young medical students: are younger students better?.  Microsurgery. 2006;  26 450-455
• 27 Yasargil MG. Clinical Considerations, Surgery of the Intracranial Aneurysms and Results.. In: Microneurosurgery. New York Georg Thieme Verlag; 1984: 347-348
• 28 Sugiu K, Martin JB, Jean B. et al . Artificial cerebral aneurysm model for medical testing, training, and research.  Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 2003;  43 69-72 ; discussion 73
• 29 Ferguson GG. Physical factors in the initiation, growth, and rupture of human intracranial saccular aneurysms.  J Neurosurg. 1972;  37 666-677

Correspondence