Implantation of Human-Sized Coronary Stents into Rat Abdominal Aorta Using a Trans-Femoral Access

Anne Cornelissen; Roberta Florescu; Nicole Schaaps; Mamdouh Afify; Sakine Simsekyilmaz; Elisa Liehn; Felix Vogt

doi:10.3791/61442

Implantation of Human-Sized Coronary Stents into Rat Abdominal Aorta Using a Trans-Femoral Access

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JoVE Journal Medicine

Implantation of Human-Sized Coronary Stents into Rat Abdominal Aorta Using a Trans-Femoral Access

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05:04 min

November 19, 2020

DOI: 10.3791/61442-v

Anne Cornelissen*¹, Roberta Florescu*¹, Nicole Schaaps¹, Mamdouh Afify¹, Sakine Simsekyilmaz¹, Elisa Liehn*^1,2,3, Felix Vogt*¹

¹Division of Cardiology, Angiology, and Critical Care,University Hospital RWTH Aachen, ²Department for Operative Intensive Medicine,University Hospital RWTH Aachen, ³Institute for Pathology "Victor Babes"

Overview

This protocol describes the implantation of human coronary stents into the abdominal aorta of rats using a trans-femoral access. The model is minimally invasive and highly reproducible, making it suitable for researchers with limited operative experience.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Cardiovascular research
Animal models

Background

Human coronary stents are commonly used in clinical settings.
Animal models provide a platform for studying vascular pathology.
Murine models offer advantages such as high throughput and reproducibility.
Previous studies have utilized various methods to assess stent performance.

Purpose of Study

To characterize the effects of human coronary stents on vascular pathology.
To establish a reliable and accessible method for researchers.
To facilitate the use of additional diagnostic tools post-procedure.

Methods Used

Implantation of stents in anesthetized adult rats.
Trans-femoral access for stent placement.
Use of optical coherence tomography for imaging.
Histological analysis for assessing vascular response.

Main Results

The procedure is demonstrated to be effective and reproducible.
Minimal invasiveness allows for easier handling of the animal model.
Diagnostic tools can be effectively integrated post-implantation.
Results support the use of this model for future studies.

Conclusions

This protocol provides a valuable method for studying stent effects.
It enhances the understanding of vascular pathology in a controlled setting.
Future research can build upon this model for further insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of using a murine model?

Murine models offer high throughput, reproducibility, and ease of handling.

Is the procedure suitable for inexperienced researchers?

Yes, the procedure is designed to be easily performed by researchers with little operative experience.

What diagnostic tools can be used after the procedure?

Tools such as optical coherence tomography and histological analysis can be utilized.

How is the rat prepared for the stent implantation?

The rat is anesthetized, placed on a heating pad, and its limbs are fixed for the procedure.

Who demonstrates the procedure?

The procedure is demonstrated by Roberta Florescu, a physician from the laboratory.

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to characterize the effects of human coronary stents on vascular pathology.

This protocol describes the implantation of human coronary stents into the abdominal aorta of rats with an apoE^-/- background using a trans-femoral access. Compared with other animal models, murine models carry the advantages of high throughput, reproducibility, ease of handling and housing, and a broad availability of molecular markers.

This protocol uses an animal model to establish an accessible method for characterizing the effects of human coronary stents on vascular pathology. The main advantages of our model are that is minimally invasive, highly reproducible, and easily performed even by researchers with little operative experience. Demonstrating the the procedure will be Roberta Florescu, a physician from our laboratory.

Following this procedure, other clinical and pathology diagnostic tools can be used, such as optical coherence tomography or histological analysis. After confirming a lack of response to pedal reflex in an anesthetized adult rat, place the rat on a heating pad in the supine position with the right hind limb fully extended and in line with the spine, and fix the upper and lower limbs with medical tape. Apply ointment to the animal's eyes and shave the fur from the groin and lower abdomen.

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