Flow diverter implantation in a rat model of sidewall aneurysm: a feasibility study.
BACKGROUND
More challenging animal models are needed to elucidate the efficacy of flow diverter (FD) designs and the mechanisms behind observed complications. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of implanting a FD in a sidewall aneurysm rat model.


METHODS
An end-to-side anastomosis was created in the abdominal aorta of 36 rats using a decellularized donor pouch. A FD was subsequently implanted.


RESULTS
After up to 3 months of follow-up, we observed that rats displayed normal growth and behavior. Mortality within the groups was low (2 rats, 5.6%). All aneurysms thrombosed after FD implantation and showed progressive soft tissue replacement of the thrombus during follow-up. The abdominal aortas remained patent.


CONCLUSIONS
This model can be used to test the effects of FDs in future studies.
Department of Neurosurgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.|Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
René
R
Aquarius
Central Animal Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Debby
D
Smits
University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.|Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroimaging and Intervention, New England Center for Stroke Research, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
Matthew J
MJ
Gounis
Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
William P J
WPJ
Leenders
Department of Neurosurgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Joost
J
de Vries
D000818:Animals; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D015607:Stents
Aneurysm; Artery; Flow Diverter; Technique