An animal paired crossover ePTFE arteriovenous graft model.
OBJECTIVE
Previously, we developed a porcine model for Arterio Venous Graft (AVG) failure to allow assessment of new access strategies. This model was limited concerning graft length. In the present technical report, we describe a modification of our model allowing the assessment of long AVGs.


METHODS
In 4 pigs, AVGs of 15 cm length were created bilaterally in a cross-over fashion between the carotid artery and the contralateral jugular vein. Two days (2 pigs) and two weeks (2 pigs) after AV shunting, graft patency was evaluated by angiography, showing all four grafts to be patent, with no sign of angiographic or macroscopic narrowing at the anastomoses sites.


CONCLUSIONS
In this modified pig AVG failure model, implantation of a bilateral cross-over long AVG is a feasible approach. The present model offers a suitable tool to study local interventions or compare various long graft designs aimed at improvement of AVG patency.
Department of Vascular Surgery, The Netherlands. G.J.deBorst-2@umcutrecht.nl.
Abdelkarime K
AK
Jahrome
Imo
I
Hoefer
Frans L
FL
Moll
Graeme J
GJ
Houston
Peter A
PA
Stonebridge
Peter J
PJ
Blankestijn
Gert J
GJ
de Borst