Murine Cervical Aortic Transplantation Model using a Modified Non-Suture Cuff Technique

I am Martin Ryll from the research laboratories of the Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery of the LMU in Munich. Today we are going to show you a murine heterotopic aortic transplantation model using a modified non-suture cuff technique. First, anesthetize the recipient animal with an intraperitoneal injection of midazolam, medetomidine and fentanyl.

Clip all hair of the cervical lateral region with an electric hair clipper for small animals and apply ophthalmic ointment with cotton swabs to prevent the eyes from drying out during the procedure. Place the animal in the supine position on a heating pad under the microscope and gently tape its legs to the operating table with skin sensitive plaster strips. Tilt its head back and scrub the operative field several times with alcohol.