An Experimental Model of Peripheral Ischemia: A Procedure to Generate Peripheral Ischemia via Femoral Artery Ligation in a Rabbit

In This Article

Abstract

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

In this video, we demonstrate a surgical procedure to induce peripheral ischemia via femoral artery ligation in a rabbit. This method provides an effective experimental model for peripheral vascular disease research.

Protocol

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

1. Isolation of the femoral artery

Anesthetize a New Zealand rabbit (4–6 months old) with pre-induced diabetes and hyperlipidemia, 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.
Make a longitudinal incision in the skin over the right femoral artery using a scalpel (#15 blade). Ensure that the incision extends inferiorly from the in....

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Results

Anatomy diagram and surgical images illustrating shoulder nerve pathways and procedures.
Figure 1: Induction of hind limb ischemia in rabbits through femoral artery ligation and excision. (A) Illustration of the vascular anatomy of the rabbit hind limb. Place ties at all the points marked to ligate the arteries. (B) Surgical field showing the cut down .......