Surgical Aortic Debanding: A Procedure to Study Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling in Murine Model of Aortic Constriction

Aortic banding is performed by ligating the transverse arch of the aorta, between the innominate artery and the left common carotid artery. This constriction leads to increased ventricular pressure, causing hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes where muscle cells of the heart become enlarged.

Simultaneously, there is an accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the interstitial space, culminating in ventricular fibrosis. To reverse these fibrotic and hypertrophic effects on the heart, take an anesthetized mouse a few weeks after undergoing aortic banding. Place the mouse in the supine position and prep it by removing the fur from the chest.

Make a small incision on the left side of the chest to locate the heart and its connecting vessels. Visualize the aorta and the suture tied to it. Perform aortic debanding by cutting this suture to remove the constriction in the aorta. Finally, close the muscle and skin layers.

Transfer the mouse to a cage and monitor for postoperative recovery of the heart. After successful debanding, there is reduction in extracellular matrix proteins resulting in diminished fibrosis. The mouse also exhibits a gradual reduction in the size of cardiomyocytes and mass of ventricles, indicating a regression in hypertrophy and improving overall cardiac output.