A Model of Reverse Vascular Remodeling in Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Left Heart Disease by Aortic Debanding in Rats

Our protocol describes a surgical procedure to remove ascending aortic banding in a rat model of pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease, which leads to the reversal of pulmonary hypertension. This technique presents a valuable tool to study mechanisms of physiological reverse remodeling in the pulmonary circulation and the right ventricle. It can help in developing strategies for treating pulmonary hypertension.

After the surgical instruments are prepared, place an anesthetized rat in a supine position on a sterilized surgical table. Then, fix the animal's abdomen and limbs with an adhesive tape, and disinfect animal skin with povidone-iodine/iodophor solution. Note scars and sutures from the primary surgical aortic banding, or AoB, surgery.