An animal model for femoral artery pseudoaneurysms.
OBJECTIVE
To prepare a porcine model for femoral artery pseudoaneurysm via a one-step surgical procedure without the need for microsurgery.


METHODS
This pseudoaneurysm model involves the preparation of an arteriovenous shunt between the femoral artery and femoral vein in which approximately 2 cm of the vein is segmented by proximal and distal closure with the use of ligatures. The femoral pseudoaneurysm models were evaluated by angiography, Doppler auscultation, and histologic examination.


RESULTS
In seven of eight pigs, angiography and Doppler auscultation showed that the pseudoaneurysm models were open and that there was communication between the pseudoaneurysm model and the femoral artery. The mean length (+/-SD) of the pseudoaneurysm model was 1.9 cm +/- 0.3 (n= 7), with a neck region of 4 mm. Histologic analysis confirmed that pseudoaneurysm models were open and no thrombi were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The principal advantages of this model are the location of the pseudoaneurysm model, the short period of clamping, and the controllable size. The pig pseudoaneurysm model is straightforward and reproducible, and may serve as a useful tool in the evaluation of interventional strategies for treatment of pseudoaneurysms.
Geutjes
Paul J
PJ
Department of Biochemistry, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
van der Vliet
J Adam
JA
Faraj
Kaeuis A
KA
Vries
Noes de
Nd
van Moerkerk
Herman T B
HT
Wismans
Ronnie G
RG
Hendriks
Thijs
T
Daamen
Willeke F
WF
van Kuppevelt
Toin H
TH
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005268:Femoral Vein / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D058729:Peripheral Arterial Disease; D013552:Swine