A Canine Model of Proximal Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Created with an Autologous Pericardial Patch

Abstract

Objectives: To establish an animal model of proximal descending thoracic aortic aneurysm for the study of branched stent grafts. Materials and Methods: Eleven mongrel dogs underwent the surgical procedure during which an autologous pericardial patch was sewn onto a longitudinal incision in the anterolateral wall of the thoracic aorta near the left subclavian artery to create an artificial thoracic aortic aneurysm. Results: All eleven animals survived the surgical procedure. One animal died from rupture at the surgical site during the first week after surgery. The distance between the artificial aneurysm and the left subclavian artery was 8.29 ± 0.91 mm. The average diameter of the artificial aneurysms did not significantly change over the 4-month follow-up period. Conclusion: A canine model for proximal descending thoracic aortic aneurysm can be achieved using a safe and convenient method. The model can be used in the study of new branched stent graft applied to the aortic arch.

A reproducible swine model of proximal descending thoracic aortic aneurysm created with intra-adventitial application of elastase

“…Cisatracurium besylate (0.1 mg/kg) was used for muscle relaxation. 22 Surgical procedures. Animals were placed in the right lateral position.…”

A canine model of aortic arch aneurysm created with autologous pericardium

“…Various aortic aneurysm models have been previously reported. 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 However, the majority of these aneurysm models involved the abdominal or thoracic aorta. Thus far, there has been no animal model suitable for research on new techniques applied to the aortic arch.…”

Pericardial flap to repair a pulmonary laceration in a cat with pyothorax

“…Autologous and heterologous pericardium has been used in human medicine for a number of different applications, including cardiovascular procedures, [14][15][16] abdominal herniorrhaphy, 17 cholangioplasty, 18 meningomyelocoele closure, 19 treatment for corneal perforation 20 or tracheal reconstruction. 21 In veterinary medicine, pericardium has previously been used in cardiovascular surgery, [22][23][24][25][26] oesophageal patching, diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy 27 and closure of large defects. 28,29 The use of pericardium in the form of a flap for a lung laceration is a novel use.…”

“…A viable blood supply may not be essential for its use, however, as autologous pericardial patch has been described previously. [22][23][24][25][26] Although in this case the pericardial flap reached the desired location, in cases where this is not possible it may be warranted to use a pericardial patch; however, this hypothesis requires further study.…”