title: A Modified Method for Creating Elastase-Induced Aneurysms by Ligation of Common Carotid Arteries in Rabbits and Its Effect on Surrounding Arteries.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Rabbit models of intracranial aneurysms are frequently used in pre-clinical settings. This study aimed to demonstrate an alternative, extravascular method for creating elastase-induced aneurysms, and how ligation of the right common carotid arteries (RCCA) can impact flow redistribution into left CCA (LCCA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Elastase-induced aneurysms in 18 New Zealand rabbits (4.14 ± 0.314 kg) were created by applying 3-5 U of concentrated elastase solution to the exterior of the right and left CCA roots (RCCA and LCCA). After the induction of the aneurysm, the aneurysm was either kept intact to the rest of the corresponding CCA, severed from the rest of the CCA to allow for a free standing aneurysm, or was anchored to nearby tissue to influence the angle and orientation of the aneurysm with respect to the parent vessel. Ultrasound studies were performed before and after creation of aneurysms to collect blood flow measurements inside the aneurysm pouch and surrounding arteries. Prior to sacrificing the animals, computed tomography angiography studies were performed. Harvested aneurysmal tissues were used for histological analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Elastase-induced aneurysms were successfully created by the extravascular approach. Histological studies showed that the biological response was similar to human cerebral aneurysms and previously published elastase-induced rabbit aneurysm models. Ultrasound measurements indicated that after the RCCA was ligated, blood flow significantly increased in the LCCA at one-month follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An alternate method for creating elastase-induced aneurysms has been demonstrated. The novel aspects of our method allow for ligation of one or both common carotid arteries to create a single or bilateral aneurysm with an ability to control the orientation of the induced aneurysm.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Daraspreet
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kainth
authors.affiliation: Vital Images, Minnetonka, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Salazar
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Cyrus
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Safinia
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Ricky
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Ornina
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Bachour
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Poursina Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
authors.forename: Sasan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Andalib
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Alexander M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: McKinney
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Afshin A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Divani
keywords: aneurysm model; angiography; elastase; flow diverter; rabbit model; ultrasound