An animal model for femoral artery pseudoaneurysms.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To prepare a porcine model for femoral artery pseudoaneurysm via a one-step surgical procedure without the need for microsurgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This pseudoaneurysm model involves the preparation of an arteriovenous shunt between the femoral artery and femoral vein in which approximately 2 cm of the vein is segmented by proximal and distal closure with the use of ligatures. The femoral pseudoaneurysm models were evaluated by angiography, Doppler auscultation, and histologic examination. RESULTS: In seven of eight pigs, angiography and Doppler auscultation showed that the pseudoaneurysm models were open and that there was communication between the pseudoaneurysm model and the femoral artery. The mean length (+/-SD) of the pseudoaneurysm model was 1.9 cm +/- 0.3 (n= 7), with a neck region of 4 mm. Histologic analysis confirmed that pseudoaneurysm models were open and no thrombi were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The principal advantages of this model are the location of the pseudoaneurysm model, the short period of clamping, and the controllable size. The pig pseudoaneurysm model is straightforward and reproducible, and may serve as a useful tool in the evaluation of interventional strategies for treatment of pseudoaneurysms.