Neurological deficits associated with the elastase-induced aneurysm model in rabbits

Authors: Cesar, Liliana¹; Miskolczi, Laszlo²; Lieber, Baruch B.³; Sadasivan, Chander⁴; Gounis, Matthew J.⁵; Wakhloo, Ajay K.⁵

Source: Neurological Research, Volume 31, Number 4, May 2009 , pp. 414-419(6)

Publisher: Maney Publishing

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Abstract:

Objective: Although the rabbit elastase-induced aneurysm model is currently used widely for endovascular research and device testing, procedural causes leading to animal morbidity and mortality have not yet been clearly described. We conducted a retrospective study to analyse factors contributing to neurological deficits in rabbits that underwent the elastase-induced aneurysm creation procedure at our research center from 2002 to 2005 in order to improve the technique and reduce procedure-related morbidity and mortality.

Methods: A total sample of 38 animals that underwent the procedure under the same conditions was analysed in two groups: animals that presented neurological deficits (ND, n=15) and animals that were neurological deficit free (NDF, n=23). Data were collected by reviewing the animal records and radiographic images from the procedures. Statistical analyses using the Mann-Whitney test, unpaired t-test with Welch correction and Fisher's exact tests were performed to compare the two groups based on variables associated with endothelial injury and activation of the coagulation cascade.

Results: The variables of animal weight (signifying state of health of the animal), total procedure time, total balloon occlusion time and clot formation were found to be significantly and/or very significantly correlated to ND presentation.

Discussion: Successful creation of the rabbit elastase-induced aneurysm model depends on careful control over several technical details. Important variables governing outcome have been identified here. A specific, improved endovascular arrangement that facilitates maneuvering of the devices and reduces the risk of air emboli is presented.

Keywords: SACCULAR CEREBRAL ANEURYSM; EXPERIMENTAL ANEURYSM; ELASTASE-INDUCED ANEURYSM; NEUROLOGICAL DEFICIT; RABBIT MODEL

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1179/174313208X346918

Affiliations: 1: Endovascular Research Center, Vascular Biology Institute, University of Miami, 1638 NW 10th Ave #818, Miami, FL 33136, USA 2: Memorial Health Care System, 3501 Johnson St, Hollywood, FL 33021, USA 3: Endovascular Research Center, Vascular Biology Institute, University of Miami, 1638 NW 10th Ave #818, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Radiology, University of Miami, 1611 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA 4: Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA 5: Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA

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