Porcine Model of Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Few large animal models exist to study abdominal aortic aneurysms, but these models are critical to assessing the viability of novel technologies and treatments for human disease. The combination of elastase and a compound called BAPN creates aneurysms that are large and contain sequelae of chronic aneurysmal disease, such as thrombi, dissections, and ruptures. Demonstrating the procedure with me will be Doctors Jolian Dahl and Erik Scott, fellow surgical residents.

Seven days before the surgery, provide 20 to 30 kilogram non-castrated male swine with standard chow supplemented with BAPN given in weight-based dose and mixed in whole milk plain yogurt. On the day of the procedure, confirm an appropriate level of sedation and drape the pig in the standard fashion. Ensure all of the necessary instruments are organized and ready on a sterile draped table.