Assessing Vessel Perfusion via Angiography: A Technique to Introduce Contrast Agent in Descending Aorta to Visualize Blood Vessel Perfusion in Rabbit Model

In This Article

Abstract

Source: Sligar, A. D et al., Preclinical Model of Hind Limb Ischemia in Diabetic Rabbits. J. Vis. Exp. (2019).

This video describes the technique for performing angiography by injecting a contrast agent into the descending aorta to visualize blood vessel perfusion in a rabbit model. This technique helps to understand the perfusion in blood vessels with blockages and after treatment during recovery.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.

1. Preparation of rabbit for surgery

Anesthetize the rabbit using 20–40 mg/kg ketamine and 2 mg/kg midazolam via subcutaneous injection. Place the rabbit on 1.5%–3% isoflurane (typically 2%) throughout the initial sedation using a mask. Give an injection of alfaxalone to maintain anesthesia via an intramuscular injection of 3 mg/kg.
Once anesthetized, remove the mask and insert a cuffed endotracheal tube, into the airway and connect to a ventilator....

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Results

Diabetic vs. non-diabetic vascular surgery results; shown as angiographic images at 3 time points.
Figure 1: Angiograms for the hind limb of a diabetic and non-diabetic rabbit pre-surgery, post-surgery and after recovery for 70 days after femoral artery ligation and excision. (A) Angiogram of ischemic limb (left) and contralateral cont.......