The effect of subcutaneously administered low-molecular-weight heparin on microarterial thrombosis in the rat.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of administration of a low-molecular-weight heparin derivative, enoxaparin, on the rate of arterial thrombosis in a rat model.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, blinded study.


METHODS
A standard microarterial anastomosis tuck injury was created in both femoral arteries of 25 Long Evans retired breeder rats. Thirteen animals received a subcutaneous injection of 50 IU/kg of enoxaparin 2 hours before the procedure, while 12 control animals received vehicle (isotonic sodium chloride solution) alone. Sites of injury/repair were assessed 2 hours after the procedure for anastomotic patency or thrombosis.


RESULTS
Six (23%) of 26 vessels in the drug-treated group developed an arterial thrombosis at the site of repair, while 6 (25%) of 24 vessels in the control group developed thrombosis. There was no statistically significant difference at the 95% confidence limit between the 2 groups based on a comparison-of-proportions test.


CONCLUSIONS
The preoperative subcutaneous administration of 50 IU/kg of enoxaparin did not alter the rate of arterial thrombosis following the creation of a thrombogenic tuck injury/repair of the rat femoral artery.
Hadlock
Tessa A
TA
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114, USA. tessa_hadlock@meei.harvard.edu
Kim
Jennifer
J
Deschler
Daniel G
DG
D000818:Animals; D017984:Enoxaparin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D023421:Models, Animal; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*
D017984:Enoxaparin; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents