The establishment of aneurysm model at the carotid artery bifurcation in experimental dogs / 介入放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the feasibility of establishing aneurysm model at the carotid artery bifurcation in experimental dogs. Methods New aneurysm model at the common carotid artery (CCA) bifurcation was established in 18 experimental dogs, which were randomly and equally divided into study group (n =9) and control group (n=9). In the dogs of the study group, the bifurcation top was treated with elastase, while in the dogs of the control group the bifurcation top was treated with saline. Angiography was separately performed immediately after, and at 12 and 24 weeks after the operation to observe the changes of the aneurysm top. Pathological examination was separately carried out at 12 and 24 weeks after the operation. Results Angiography showed that nascent aneurysm formation (mean diameter of 3.2 ± 0.4 mm) was demonstrated at the arterial bifurcation top in 5 dogs of the study group; while no nascent aneurysm at the arterial bifurcation top was observed in the control group. During the follow-up period, no rupture of the nascent aneurysm occurred in the study group. Pathological examination revealed that discontinued internal elastic membrane, elastic fiber fracture, thinning muscle layer and reduction of smooth muscle cells were detected in the aneurysm at bifurcation top in the study group; when compared with those in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P< 0.001). Conclusion The elastase-induced digestive degeneration of artery wall can cause new aneurysm formation in the newly-established aneurysm located at carotid artery bifurcation in experimental dogs.