Optimization of the model of abdominal aortic aneurysm--experiment in an animal model.
BACKGROUND
Many studies have been performed in order to model abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in an experimental animal, most commonly in small laboratory animals. In our study, we tried to find the best AAA model in a pig by using various mechanical and enzymatic mechanisms.


METHODS
Twenty-two pigs were operated on. We combined 3 mechanisms of creating an AAA, using an intraluminal infusion of porcine pancreatic elastase into the abdominal aortic segment, application of plastic cuff below the renal arteries causing turbulent blood flow, and inserting a patch into the longitudinal aortotomy.


RESULTS
We found different results in different groups according to the mechanisms used. In group A, with a combination of the intraluminal elastase infusion and application of a stenosing cuff, AAA developed in all 7 animals (100%). In this group, we also found the largest histological changes in the abdominal aorta samples.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of intraluminal pancreatic elastase infusion, together with increased turbulent flow caused by the stenosing cuff, seems to be the best model of AAA in pigs. This model is suitable for further research in the etiopathology of AAA. In fact, it is the first successful approach to a large-caliber native aneurysm model.
Department of Vascular Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic. Molacek@fnplzen.cz
Jirí
J
Molácek
Vladislav
V
Treska
Jirí
J
Kobr
Bohuslav
B
Certík
Tomás
T
Skalický
Vilém
V
Kuntscher
Vera
V
Krízková
D000818:Animals; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D008026:Ligation; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase; D011673:Pulsatile Flow; D013552:Swine; D014463:Ultrasonography
D010196:Pancreatic Elastase