Name: Femoral Vascular Graft Implantation in a Swine Model to Test Small-Diameter Vascular Grafts (Video) | JoVE Journal
Uploaded: 2025-07-08T14:00:00.000+00:00
Duration: 6 min 9 s
Description: Learn a porcine model for evaluating small-diameter vascular grafts in femoral arteries using Doppler ultrasound and angiography. This method enables comprehensive assessment of graft patency, hemodynamics, and vascular remodeling.

ai_agent_IP

ai_agent

maintenance

instantTrialDurationMinutes

isBiopharma

enableNewMyJoveSectionDesign

educationFeatures

seoMetaApi

ai_copilot_institution_blacklist

ai_chat_institution_blacklist

freeAccessWindow

ssoRoleCapture

scheduledMaintenanceBanner

joveLabsFeatures

disable_autoplay_for_bots

extended_trial_duration

5 minutes

This work was conducted utilizing the core facilities of the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, with special acknowledgment to the Microscopy Units and the Comparative Medicine and Bioimage Center of Catalonia (CMCiB). Also, we would like to thank the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute Advanced Microscope Unit for their support, strictly for scientific purposes and under non-profit conditions.&#160;This work was supported in part by&#160;grants from MICIU (PID2021-124703OB-I00,&#160;PID2022-142219OB-I00, PLEC2021-008194,&#160;CPP2021-008438, CPP2023-010880, CPP2023-010430), Instituto de Salud Carlos III&#160;(ICI20/00135, PI21/01700,&#160;PI21/01703,&#160;PI22/01751, DTS22/00180), Red RICORS&#160;(RD21/0017/0022), CIBERCV (CB16/11/00403)&#160;as part of the Plan Nacional de I+D+I, and was&#160;co-funded by ISCIII-Subdirecci&#243;n General de&#160;Evaluaci&#243;n y el Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo&#160;Regional (FEDER), Germans Trias i Pujol&#160;University Hospital (2021_45, 2021_44) and&#160;AGAUR (2021 SGR 01437).

The procedure was conducted according to the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals23. All the experiments were approved by the Animal Experimentation Unit Ethical Committee of the Germans Trias i Pujol Health Research Institute (IGTP) and Government Authorities of the Generalitat de Catalunya (Code 12179).
1. Husbandry and animal acclimation
<ol>
	<li>Use a 3-month-old female crossbred pig of Landrace and Large White breed, weighing 30-35 kg (arrived 1 week before surgery). 
	NOTE: A minimum acclimatization period of 7 days is observed prior to any surgical procedure.</li>
	<li>Keep the pigs in spacious pens enriched with straw bedding and environmental stimuli (hanging toys, balls) to promote natural behaviors and reduce stress.</li>
	<li>Maintain environmental conditions within optimal physiological ranges: temperature: 20-24&#8239;&#176;C, humidity: 45-65%, light/dark cycle: 12 h/12 h.</li>
	<li>Allow ad libitum access to water and feed a commercial pig diet twice daily.</li>
	<li>Perform daily monitoring to assess behavior, activity, feeding, social interaction, and general health status. 
	NOTE: All procedures are supervised by the institutional animal welfare body, and the animals&#39; well-being is prioritized throughout the preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative periods. The daily monitoring is performed by trained veterinary staff.</li>
</ol>
2. Animal preoperative preparation
<ol>
	<li>Give antiplatelet treatment to prevent graft thrombosis: Clopidogrel (150 mg/kg PO) and Acetylsalicylic acid (300 mg/kg PO) on the day of surgery and repeat daily until the end of the study.</li>
	<li>Assess the health conditions before the surgical intervention with a complete veterinary examination, including visual inspection and measurement of heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), body temperature (T), and body weight, as well as laboratory tests (hematological and biochemical analysis). 
	NOTE: Physiological constants of juvenile pigs are HR: 85 to 110 beats per minute (bpm), BR: 20 to 40, T: 36.5 - 38.5&#176;C</li>
	<li>Fast the animals for 12 h before surgery to reduce the risk of aspiration after anesthesia.</li>
</ol>
3. Sedation and anaesthesia
<ol>
	<li>To calculate the dose, weigh the animal before surgery.</li>
	<li>Then, sedate the animal with dexmedetomidine (0.03 mg/kg), midazolam (0.3 mg/kg), and ketamine (3 mg/kg). Include methadone (0.3 mg/kg) for analgesia. Administer all drugs intramuscularly.</li>
	<li>Once the animal is sedated, place an oxygen mask (90-100%) with a mix of sevoflurane (1-2%) to ventilate it. Simultaneously, attach a pulse oximeter to monitor the pulse rate and percentage of oxygenated hemoglobin until the animal is intubated. 
	NOTE: Alpha-2 agonists and ketamine can alter heart rate, causing tachycardia or bradycardia. If severe bradycardia appears (less than 55 bpm), administer atropine (0.02-0.04 mg/kg, IV or IM) if needed.</li>
	<li>Use electric blankets to maintain body temperature.</li>
	<li>Smear vet ointment to the eyes to prevent dryness. 
	NOTE: Reapply artificial tear ointment every 20 min.</li>
	<li>Place a venous catheter (20 G) in a lateral ear vein to establish venous access. Administer propofol (1-2 mg/kg) to induce anesthesia.</li>
	<li>Place the animal in dorsal recumbency.</li>
	<li>To insert the endotracheal tube, ensure that the swallowing reflex is lost. Use a veterinary laryngoscope to expose epiglottis and glottis and complete tracheal intubation with an endotracheal tube. 
	NOTE: Tube size must be appropriate for the pig (6.5-7.0 Fr for pigs weighing 30-35 kg, and 7.0-7.5 Fr for pigs weighing 35-40 kg). Intubation must be performed swiftly to prevent extended apnoea.</li>
	<li>Connect the endotracheal tube to the ventilator with a capnograph and initiate automatic ventilation, ensuring a tidal volume of 10 mL/kg, inspiratory-to-expiratory ratio 1:2 (FiO2: 0.50), and RR of approximately 20 bpm.</li>
	<li>Maintain anesthesia with sevoflurane (1-3%). 
	NOTE: To confirm that the animal has reached the appropriate surgical anesthetic depth, it should neither breathe spontaneously nor display corneal or pupillary light reflexes. No muscle relaxants were used at any time during the anesthetic procedures described.</li>
	<li>Shave the area of the left dorsolateral neck to apply the fentanyl patch (2.5 &#181;g/kg/h) for pain relief lasting up to 72 h. 
	NOTE: The transdermal patch can be applied to the inguinal area. However, due to the surgical procedure location, it is preferable to be placed on the dorsolateral position of the neck.</li>
	<li>Administer antibiotic therapy on the day of surgery: Slow IV Ceftriaxone (50 mg/kg); intramuscular Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (8.75 mg/kg) and oral Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (12 mg/kg) once daily from postoperative day 1 to day 5. 
	NOTE: Do not mix Ceftriaxone with calcium solutions.</li>
</ol>
4. Hemodynamic monitoring and preparation of the surgical area
<ol>
	<li>Position the animal on the operating table in the ventral recumbency. Secure its limbs to the table using tape or bandages.</li>
	<li>Place electrodes on the limbs to monitor electrocardiogram (ECG) changes and HR throughout the procedure.</li>
	<li>Continue monitoring oxygen saturation using a pulse oximeter placed on the tongue or the corner of the animal&#39;s lip.</li>
	<li>Place a non-invasive blood pressure cuff on the forelimb.</li>
	<li>Measure oesophageal or rectal temperature.</li>
	<li>Shave and wash the right and left femoral areas with surgical soap to remove debris. Then, disinfect by applying three rounds of 0.7% iodine alternating with 70% ethanol under sterile conditions.</li>
	<li>Ensure the surgeon performs a surgical handwash and dons a sterile gown and gloves.</li>
	<li>Cover the animal with a sterile surgical drape.</li>
	<li>Assess anesthesia depth every 10 min during surgery.</li>
</ol>
5. Surgical procedure
<ol>
	<li>For intraoperative analgesia, administrate a fentanyl bolus during the surgical procedure if signs of pain are detected, such as an increase in HR.</li>
	<li>Use ultrasound to locate the right femoral artery and assess its blood flow.</li>
	<li>Make a 7-10 cm vertical incision perpendicular to the linea inguinalis&#160;with an electric scalpel. 
	NOTE: Approximately 2-4 cm below the inguinal ligament, the common femoral artery bifurcates into the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and the deep femoral artery.</li>
	<li>Spear subcutaneous tissues.</li>
	<li>Achieve hemostasis by electrocoagulation of the small surrounding vessels (Figure 1A).</li>
	<li>Use two Weitlaner retractors to gently separate the Sartorius, Rectus Femoris, Gracilis, and Pectineus muscles for better exposure to the SFA. 
	NOTE: SFA lies under the medial border of the sartorius muscle.</li>
	<li>Administrate heparin intravenously (300 UI/kg) before femoral artery clamping to prevent intraoperative thrombosis.</li>
	<li>Apply vascular clamps proximally and distally on the right SFA to achieve complete occlusion. Ensure that the distance between the clamps is approximately 1 cm longer than the arterial segment to be resected.</li>
	<li>Prior to resection, confirm that the replacement graft-whether autograft or experimental-is anatomically compatible in both length and diameter with the transected arterial segment (typically 4-5 mm in diameter for a 30 kg pig) (Figure 1B). 
	NOTE: In this study, the experimental graft measured 4.5 mm in diameter and 5 cm in length. To ensure appropriate sizing, it is placed adjacent to the native right SFA before resection.</li>
	<li>Ensure the clamps are properly positioned to control blood flow around the area where the resection will be performed.</li>
	<li>Excise 5 cm segment of the right SFA in a slightly oblique fashion (rather than completely tangential) to facilitate posterior termino-terminal anastomosis near the proximal and distal clamps. 
	NOTE: Place the autograft (the extracted right SFA fragment) in a sterile container with physiological saline solution and maintain it at 37-38 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Cut the proximal and distal ends of the graft.</li>
	<li>Suture the proximal and distal anastomoses of the experimental graft to the clamped right SFA using a continuous 7-0 Prolene suture in a running stitch pattern (Termino-terminal anastomosis) from posterior to anterior and from medial to lateral (Figure 1C).</li>
	<li>Unclamp the proximal and distal clamps of the right SFA to restore vascular flow and ensure there is no blood leakage from the anastomoses. 
	NOTE: If there is blood leakage, one-stitch suture can be performed to fix the leak.</li>
	<li>Close the muscle and subcutaneous tissue using a resorbable 1 continuous suture and the skin with a resorbable 0 intradermal continuous suture.</li>
	<li>Apply a sterile transparent dressing.</li>
	<li>Repeat the procedure on the left SFA, using the autograft as a control of the graft surgical technique, if necessary.</li>
</ol>
6. Postoperative procedure and animal recovery
<ol>
	<li>Continue monitoring the animal&#39;s vital signs until it has fully recovered.</li>
	<li>Discontinue sevoflurane administration and stop mechanical ventilation once the animal begins to breathe spontaneously.</li>
	<li>Maintain oxygen supply until oxygen saturation stabilizes at 95% or higher.</li>
	<li>Extubate the animal. Once it begins to wake up, the swallowing reflex is restored.</li>
	<li>Closely monitor the animal until it is fully awake. 
	NOTE: Pigs usually stand up quickly after surgery; however, following this type of procedure, they may take longer to regain control of their hind limbs. If the animal exhibits signs of pain, methadone (0.3 mg/kg IM) can be administered every 5 h for analgesia.</li>
</ol>
7. Doppler ultrasound
NOTE: Use duplex ultrasonography to non-invasively visualize blood flow in the femoral arteries on days 0, 7, 14, and 30 post-surgery.
<ol>
	<li>Sedate the pig with a mixture of dexmedetomidine (0.03 mg/kg), midazolam (0.3 mg/kg), and ketamine (3 mg/kg), administered intramuscularly. Ensure that the pig is sedated and placed in dorsal recumbency. Maintain anesthesia using sevoflurane (1-3%) delivered via a facemask covering the snout.</li>
	<li>Shave the area around the femoral artery to ensure optimal contact with the ultrasound probe. Thoroughly clean the skin to remove any residual hair or debris.</li>
	<li>Apply a generous amount of ultrasound gel to the inner thigh over the femoral artery, ensuring the absence of air bubbles.</li>
	<li>Perform duplex ultrasonography using a high-frequency linear transducer, such as the MS 400 (center frequency: 30 MHz), with a frame rate of 230-400 frames/s. Adjust the probe position to obtain clear B-mode and Doppler images of the femoral artery.</li>
	<li>Acquire images and video clips to assess blood flow velocity, vessel diameter, and Doppler flow profile. Ensure measurements are recorded at specific landmarks (proximal artery, proximal suture, graft, distal suture, distal artery) to facilitate comparison across experimental conditions.</li>
</ol>
8. Femoral angiography
NOTE: Perform angiography to evaluate perfusion of the autograft and the experimental graft at 30 days post-transplant. This is a terminal procedure conducted under deep anesthesia to minimize animal discomfort and ensure optimal image acquisition.
<ol>
	<li>Anesthetize the pig using a mixture of dexmedetomidine (0.03 mg/kg), midazolam (0.3 mg/kg), methadone (0.3 mg/kg), and ketamine (3 mg/kg), administered intramuscularly.</li>
	<li>Once sedated, intubate the animal, connect the pig to the ventilator, and maintain anesthesia with sevoflurane (3-4%) in oxygen.</li>
	<li>Place the pig in a supine position and monitor vital signs throughout the procedure, including heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and non-invasive arterial blood pressure.</li>
	<li>Shave and wash the skin over the ventrolateral side of the neck with surgical soap to remove debris. Then, disinfect by applying three rounds of 0.7% iodine alternating with 70% ethanol under sterile conditions. Drape the area to create a sterile field, leaving only the access site exposed.</li>
	<li>Administrate a fentanyl bolus (2.5 &#181;g/kg/h, IV) for intraoperative analgesia.</li>
	<li>Locate the carotid artery by palpation or using ultrasound guidance. Make an incision to expose the artery. Insert a vascular sheath (e.g., 6F) using the Seldinger technique. 
	NOTE: Administrate heparin intravenously (300 UI/ kg) after inserting the vascular sheath and before the catheter.</li>
	<li>Insert a 6F vascular catheter through the sheath into the carotid artery and advance it under fluoroscopic guidance to the femoral arterial site.</li>
	<li>Connect the catheter to a pressure injector filled with iodinated contrast medium. Flush the system thoroughly to eliminate air bubbles.</li>
	<li>Using fluoroscopy, confirm the catheter&#39;s position. Inject the contrast medium at a rate of 1-2 mL/s, depending on the catheter size and vascular site, to visualize the blood vessels.</li>
	<li>Acquire angiographic images using a high-resolution digital fluoroscopy system in an anteroposterior (AP) projection.</li>
	<li>Obtain images of both femoral arteries.</li>
	<li>After completing the procedure, carefully withdraw the catheter and remove the vascular sheath.</li>
</ol>
9. Euthanasia practice
<ol>
	<li>After completing the angiographic procedure and ensuring adequate sedation and anesthesia, administer an overdose of intravenous Pentobarbital sodium (100 mg/kg).</li>
	<li>Confirm death by assessing vital signs, including electrocardiogram, blood pressure, and capnography, to ensure cardiorespiratory arrest.</li>
</ol>
10. Harvesting samples and preservation of the tissue
NOTE: Perform histopathological analysis to evaluate tissue structure and morphology of the femoral graft using Masson&#39;s trichrome staining and immunohistofluorescence.
<ol>
	<li>Confirm death by assessing vital signs, including electrocardiogram, blood pressure, and capnography, to ensure cardiorespiratory arrest.</li>
	<li>Harvest the femoral graft post-procedure and immediately immerse it in 4% paraformaldehyde for fixation overnight. 
	CAUTION: Handle paraformaldehyde with care due to its toxicity. Work in a well-ventilated area and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).</li>
	<li>After fixation, section the samples perpendicularly. 
	NOTE: Ensure that samples are collected from the following sites: proximal native artery (before anastomosis), proximal suture site (between the native artery and the graft, to ensure that all the proximal anastomosis is included), graft segment, distal suture site (between the native artery and the graft, to ensure that all the distal anastomosis is included), and distal native artery (after anastomosis). Samples should be collected from both femoral arteries.</li>
	<li>Divide the samples for histology staining and immunohistofluorescence. 
	NOTE: Cryopreserve the samples selected for immunohistofluorescence by immersing them in 3% Saccharose solution until they sink. Then, freeze them using liquid nitrogen. Embed the dehydrated tissue selected for Masson&#39;s Trichrome staining in paraffin blocks to preserve the sample for sectioning.</li>
</ol>
11. Immunohistofluorescence analysis of femoral grafts
<ol>
	<li>Place the samples (10-&#181;m-thick cryosections) at room temperature (RT) for at least 20 min.</li>
	<li>Wash them with 1x PBS three times for 5 min each.</li>
	<li>Wash them with 1x PBS containing 0,2% Triton three times for 5 min each.</li>
	<li>Block with Horse Serum (1:5 dilution in 1x PBS) for 1 hour at RT.</li>
	<li>Incubate with primary antibodies diluted in 1x PBS containing 0.2% triton and Horse Serum (1:20 dilution) at 4 &#176;C overnight or for 1 h at RT.</li>
	<li>Wash them with 1x PBS three times for 5 min each.</li>
	<li>Incubate with the secondary antibody diluted in 1x PBS.</li>
	<li>Wash them with 1x PBS three times for 5 min each.</li>
	<li>Stain nuclei with 4&#8242;,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI; 1:1000 dilution) for 10 min at RT.</li>
	<li>Wash them once with 1x PBS.</li>
	<li>Carefully mount the samples with an aqueous mounting medium and cover it with a slip.</li>
	<li>Visualize the prepared slides under a confocal or epifluorescence microscope.</li>
</ol>
12. Histological analysis of femoral grafts
<ol>
	<li>Using a microtome, cut the paraffin-embedded tissue into 4-&#181;m-thick sections.</li>
	<li>Deparaffinize the slides by immersing them in xylene for 5-10 min, then rehydrate them by passing them through a graded ethanol series (100%, 96%, 70%) before rinsing them in distilled water.</li>
	<li>Stain the sections using Masson&#39;s trichrome staining protocol as described in steps 12.4-12.14.</li>
	<li>Fix the samples with Bouin&#39;s solution overnight at RT or for 1 h at 56 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Wash the samples until the yellow color disappears.</li>
	<li>Immerse the samples in Weigert&#39;s hematoxylin for 10 min.</li>
	<li>Wash the samples with distilled water.</li>
	<li>Immerse the samples in Ponceau Fuchsin for 5 min.</li>
	<li>Wash the samples with distilled water.</li>
	<li>Immerse the samples in a mixture of phosphomolybdic acid and phosphotungstic acid for 10 min.</li>
	<li>Immerse the samples in Light Green for 5 min.</li>
	<li>Wash the samples with distilled water.</li>
	<li>Dehydrate the stained slides in graded ethanol solutions (90%, 100%) and xylene for 2 min each.</li>
	<li>Mount the slides using a slide mounting medium and allow them to dry thoroughly.</li>
	<li>Examine the prepared slides under a light microscope.</li>
</ol>

<ol><li>Szafron, J. M., Heng, E. E., Boyd, J., Humphrey, J. D., Marsden, A. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Hemodynamics+and+wall+mechanics+of+vascular+graft+failure%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Arterioscler+Thromb+Vasc+Biol%22%5BJournal%5D)">Hemodynamics and wall mechanics of vascular graft failure.</a> Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 44 (5), 1065-1085 (2024).</li>
<li>Bachar, B. J., Manna, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&safe=off&q=author%3aBachar%2C+BJ+%22Coronary+Artery+Bypass+Graft%22">Coronary Artery Bypass Graft</a>. , StatPearls Publishing. Treasure Island, FL. (2018).</li>
<li>L'heureux, N., Dusserre, N., Marini, A., Garrido, S., De La Fuente, L., McAllister, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Technology+insight%3A+the+evolution+of+tissue-engineered+vascular+grafts-from+research+to+clinical+practice%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Nat+Clin+Pract+Cardiovasc+Med%22%5BJournal%5D)">Technology insight: the evolution of tissue-engineered vascular grafts-from research to clinical practice.</a> Nat Clin Pract Cardiovasc Med. 4 (7), 389-395 (2007).</li>
<li>Ono, S., Hatayama, N., Miyamoto, K., Naito, M., Ishimoto, T., Ito, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Intimal+growth+on+the+luminal+surface+of+arteriovenous+grafts+in+rats%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Clin+Exp+Nephrol%22%5BJournal%5D)">Intimal growth on the luminal surface of arteriovenous grafts in rats.</a> Clin Exp Nephrol. 27 (5), 402-410 (2023).</li>
<li>Skovrind, I., Harvald, E. B., Juul Belling, H., Jørgensen, C. D., Lindholt, J. S., Andersen, D. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Concise+review%3A+patency+of+small-diameter+tissue-engineered+vascular+grafts%3A+a+meta-analysis+of+preclinical+trials%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Stem+Cells+Transl+Med%22%5BJournal%5D)">Concise review: patency of small-diameter tissue-engineered vascular grafts: a meta-analysis of preclinical trials.</a> Stem Cells Transl Med. 8 (7), 671-680 (2019).</li>
<li>Matsuzaki, Y., John, K., Shoji, T., Shinoka, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((The+evolution+of+tissue+engineered+vascular+graft+technologies%3A+from+preclinical+trials+to+advancing+patient+care%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Appl+Sci%22%5BJournal%5D)">The evolution of tissue engineered vascular graft technologies: from preclinical trials to advancing patient care.</a> Appl Sci. 9 (7), 1274(2019).</li>
<li>Emamzadehashemi, K. R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Quality+of+life+and+activities+of+daily+living+one+year+after+coronary+artery+bypass+graft+%28CABG%29+surgery%3A+a+cross-sectional+study%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22J+Cardiothorac+Surg%22%5BJournal%5D)">Quality of life and activities of daily living one year after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery: a cross-sectional study.</a> J Cardiothorac Surg. 19 (1), 367(2024).</li>
<li>Martínez-González, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Conduits+used+in+coronary+artery+bypass+grafting%3A+a+review+of+morphological+studies%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Ann+Thorac+Cardiovasc+Surg%22%5BJournal%5D)">Conduits used in coronary artery bypass grafting: a review of morphological studies.</a> Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 23 (2), 55-65 (2017).</li>
<li>Behr, J. M., Wong, Y. S., Venkatraman, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Small-diameter+blood+vessel+substitutes%3A+biomimetic+approaches+to+improve+patency%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Biomimetics%22%5BJournal%5D)">Small-diameter blood vessel substitutes: biomimetic approaches to improve patency.</a> Biomimetics. 9 (2), 97(2024).</li>
<li>Kakisis, J. D., Liapis, C. D., Breuer, C., Sumpio, B. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Artificial+blood+vessel%3A+the+holy+grail+of+peripheral+vascular+surgery%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22J+Vasc+Surg%22%5BJournal%5D)">Artificial blood vessel: the holy grail of peripheral vascular surgery.</a> J Vasc Surg. 41 (2), 349-354 (2005).</li>
<li>Nasiri, B., Row, S., Smith, R. J. Jr, Swartz, D. D., Andreadis, S. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Cell-free+vascular+grafts+that+grow+with+the+host%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Adv+Funct+Mater%22%5BJournal%5D)">Cell-free vascular grafts that grow with the host.</a> Adv Funct Mater. 30 (48), 2005769(2020).</li>
<li>Lopera Higuita, M., Griffiths, L. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Small-diameter+xenogeneic+extracellular+matrix+scaffolds+for+vascular+applications%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Tissue+Eng+Part+B+Rev%22%5BJournal%5D)">Small-diameter xenogeneic extracellular matrix scaffolds for vascular applications.</a> Tissue Eng Part B Rev. 26 (1), 26-45 (2020).</li>
<li>Obiweluozor, F. O., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Considerations+in+the+development+of+small-diameter+vascular+graft+as+an+alternative+for+bypass+and+reconstructive+surgeries%3A+a+review%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Cardiovasc+Eng+Technol%22%5BJournal%5D)">Considerations in the development of small-diameter vascular graft as an alternative for bypass and reconstructive surgeries: a review.</a> Cardiovasc Eng Technol. 11, 495-521 (2020).</li>
<li>Zhang, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Small-diameter+artery+grafts+engineered+from+pluripotent+stem+cells+maintain+100+%25+patency+in+an+allogeneic+rhesus+macaque+model%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Cell+Rep+Med%22%5BJournal%5D)">Small-diameter artery grafts engineered from pluripotent stem cells maintain 100 % patency in an allogeneic rhesus macaque model.</a> Cell Rep Med. 6 (3), (2025).</li>
<li>Li, Z., Li, X., Xu, T., Zhang, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Acellular+small-diameter+tissue-engineered+vascular+grafts%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Appl+Sci%22%5BJournal%5D)">Acellular small-diameter tissue-engineered vascular grafts.</a> Appl Sci. 9 (14), 2864(2019).</li>
<li>Martínez-Falguera, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Myocardial+infarction+by+percutaneous+embolization+coil+deployment+in+a+swine+model%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22J+Vis+Exp%22%5BJournal%5D)">Myocardial infarction by percutaneous embolization coil deployment in a swine model.</a> J Vis Exp. (177), e63172(2021).</li>
<li>Fashina, O., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Large+animal+model+of+vein+grafts+intimal+hyperplasia%3A+a+systematic+review%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Perfusion%22%5BJournal%5D)">Large animal model of vein grafts intimal hyperplasia: a systematic review.</a> Perfusion. 38 (5), 894-930 (2023).</li>
<li>Byrom, M. J., Bannon, P. G., White, G. H., Ng, M. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Animal+models+for+the+assessment+of+novel+vascular+conduits%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22J+Vasc+Surg%22%5BJournal%5D)">Animal models for the assessment of novel vascular conduits.</a> J Vasc Surg. 52 (1), 176-195 (2010).</li>
<li>Fang, S., Ellman, D. G., Andersen, D. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Tissue+engineering+of+small-diameter+vascular+grafts+and+their+in+vivo+evaluation+in+large+animals+and+humans%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Cells%22%5BJournal%5D)">Tissue engineering of small-diameter vascular grafts and their in vivo evaluation in large animals and humans.</a> Cells. 10 (3), 713(2021).</li>
<li>Liu, R. H., Ong, C. S., Fukunishi, T., Ong, K., Hibino, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Review+of+vascular+graft+studies+in+large+animal+models%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Tissue+Eng+Part+B+Rev%22%5BJournal%5D)">Review of vascular graft studies in large animal models.</a> Tissue Eng Part B Rev. 24 (2), 133-143 (2018).</li>
<li>Row, S., Santandreu, A., Swartz, D. D., Andreadis, S. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Cell-free+vascular+grafts%3A+recent+developments+and+clinical+potential%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Technol%22%5BJournal%5D)">Cell-free vascular grafts: recent developments and clinical potential.</a> Technol. 5 (1), 13-20 (2017).</li>
<li>Xia, Y., Zhou, H., Ou, J. S., Liu, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((The+potential+of+a+new+natural+vessel+source%3A+decellularized+intercostal+arteries+as+sufficiently+long+small-diameter+vascular+grafts%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Bioengineering%22%5BJournal%5D)">The potential of a new natural vessel source: decellularized intercostal arteries as sufficiently long small-diameter vascular grafts.</a> Bioengineering. 11 (7), 700(2024).</li>
<li>National Research Council (US) Committee for the Update of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. <a target="_blank" href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&safe=off&q=%22Guide+for+the+Care+and+Use+of+Laboratory+Animals.+Guide+for+the+Care+and+Use+of+Laboratory+Animals%22">Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals</a>. , 8th ed, National Academies Press. Washington (DC). (2011).</li>
<li>Wang, D., Tediashvili, G., Pecha, S., Reichenspurner, H., Deuse, T., Schrepfer, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Vein+interposition+model%3A+a+suitable+model+to+study+bypass+graft+patency%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22J+Vis+Exp%22%5BJournal%5D)">Vein interposition model: a suitable model to study bypass graft patency.</a> J Vis Exp. (119), e54839(2017).</li>
<li>Chum, H., Pacharinsak, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Endotracheal+intubation+in+swine%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Lab+Anim%22%5BJournal%5D)">Endotracheal intubation in swine.</a> Lab Anim. 41 (11), 309-311 (2012).</li>
<li>Theisen, M. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Ventral+recumbency+is+crucial+for+fast+and+safe+orotracheal+intubation+in+laboratory+swine%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Lab+Anim%22%5BJournal%5D)">Ventral recumbency is crucial for fast and safe orotracheal intubation in laboratory swine.</a> Lab Anim. 43 (1), 96-101 (2009).</li>
<li>Regueiro-Purriños, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Ventricular+arrhythmias+and+mortality+associated+with+isoflurane+and+sevoflurane+in+a+porcine+model+of+myocardial+infarction%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22J+Am+Assoc+Lab+Anim+Sci%22%5BJournal%5D)">Ventricular arrhythmias and mortality associated with isoflurane and sevoflurane in a porcine model of myocardial infarction.</a> J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci. 50 (1), 73-78 (2011).</li>
<li>Li, X., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Establishment+and+evaluation+of+a+porcine+vein+graft+disease+model%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22J+Vis+Exp%22%5BJournal%5D)">Establishment and evaluation of a porcine vein graft disease model.</a> J Vis Exp. (185), e63896(2022).</li>
<li>Serin, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((The+efficacy+of+hydrodilatation+for+the+prevention+of+vasospasm+following+microsurgical+anastomosis%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22J+Reconstr+Microsurg%22%5BJournal%5D)">The efficacy of hydrodilatation for the prevention of vasospasm following microsurgical anastomosis.</a> J Reconstr Microsurg. 38 (6), 460-465 (2022).</li>
<li>Kim, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Porcine+gastroepiploic+artery+as+an+in+vitro+experimental+model+to+study+vasodilators+in+microsurgery%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Ann+Plast+Surg%22%5BJournal%5D)">Porcine gastroepiploic artery as an in vitro experimental model to study vasodilators in microsurgery.</a> Ann Plast Surg. 36 (5), 502-507 (1996).</li>
<li>del Palacio, M. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Evaluation+of+transcutaneous+Doppler+ultrasonography+for+the+measurement+of+blood+flow+in+the+femoral+artery+of+pigs%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Am+J+Vet+Res%22%5BJournal%5D)">Evaluation of transcutaneous Doppler ultrasonography for the measurement of blood flow in the femoral artery of pigs.</a> Am J Vet Res. 64 (1), 43-50 (2003).</li>
<li>Anderson, J. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Ultrasound+guided+percutaneous+common+carotid+artery+access+in+piglets+for+intracoronary+stem+cell+infusion%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Lab+Anim%22%5BJournal%5D)">Ultrasound guided percutaneous common carotid artery access in piglets for intracoronary stem cell infusion.</a> Lab Anim. 52 (1), 88-92 (2018).</li>
<li>Lombardo, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Surgical+vascular+access+in+the+porcine+model+for+long-term+repeated+blood+sampling%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Acta+Biomed%22%5BJournal%5D)">Surgical vascular access in the porcine model for long-term repeated blood sampling.</a> Acta Biomed. 81 (2), 101-103 (2010).</li>
</ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

This protocol outlines a comprehensive methodology for femoral artery graft transplantation in a porcine model, incorporating robust preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative strategies to ensure animal welfare and reproducibility of results. Pigs are an ideal choice for testing vascular grafts with small diameters (&#60;6 mm) due to the similarity of their arterial calibers, morphology, and physiology to those of human14,17,18<...

Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide1,2. Vascular reconstructive surgeries -- including coronary artery bypass, lower limb bypass, arteriovenous access creation, and congenital defect repair -- frequently require the use of small-diameter (&#60;6 mm) vascular grafts3,4. Currently, autologous veins or arteries are the preferred conduits; however, many patients lack suitable vessels due to prior harvesting, anatomical variations, or preexisting vascular disease5,6. Additionally, complications such as donor site morbidity further limit their applicability. Long-term patency of these grafts also remains a significant clinical challenge. Graft failure frequently leads to recurrent ischemic symptoms and clinical deterioration, requiring additional revascularization procedures, which are less effective and carry higher risks and costs2,7,8.
Synthetic grafts such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and Dacron have improved surgical outcomes in large-diameter applications, but their use in small-caliber vessels is associated with poor patency rates, thrombosis, and compliance mismatch with native vasculature. In pediatric patients, their inability to grow with the host presents further limitations9,10,11. The development of biological grafts aims to mimic the functional properties of native vessels, addressing the limitations of currently available options12,13.
Tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) represent a promising solution to these challenges. By combining scaffolds, cells, and bioactive stimuli, TEVGs aim to replicate the structure and function of native vessels, offering the potential to integrate, remodel, and grow within the host. Recent advances in this field have led to encouraging preclinical results, particularly in large animal models, yet variability in design, testing conditions, and reporting standards continues to hinder clinical translation5,6,14,15.
In comparison to small animal models like rats and mice, the porcine model resembles more closely to human vascular dynamics and size, making it ideal for testing complex therapeutic strategies12.
The present protocol introduces a porcine femoral artery grafting model as a translational platform to assess small-diameter vascular grafts (&#8804;6 mm), including an experimental graft in conditions that closely mirror clinical settings. Pigs were selected due to their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans, particularly regarding arterial size16,17. Also, hemodynamic and hematological profiles in pigs are comparable to those in humans2,18,19,20,21,22.
The protocol involves implanting an experimental graft into the right femoral artery while using an autograft (the extracted native femoral artery) in the contralateral artery as a control. The model mimics key clinical aspects, including surgical trauma, altered hemodynamics, and graft integration20,21. Imaging modalities such as Doppler ultrasound and angiography, coupled with posterior histological analyses and immunohistochemistry, are employed to assess graft patency and vascular remodeling.
This approach is particularly advantageous for evaluating vascular grafts and novel interventions aimed at enhancing graft function. By combining reproducibility with translational relevance, this model serves as a robust platform for advancing cardiovascular research and bridging the gap between preclinical and clinical applications.

<table><tbody><tr><td>0 Vicryl</td><td>Ethicon</td><td>FS-1 V467</td><td>Vicryl 0, 70 cm</td></tr><tr><td>1-0 Vicryl</td><td>Ethicon</td><td>FS-1 V468</td><td>Vicryl 1-0, 70 cm</td></tr><tr><td>3&amp;rsquo;% Saccharose solution</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>T6791</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>4% paraformaldehyde</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>HT501128-4L</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>6-F JR4 0-71&quot;guiding catheter</td><td>Medtronic</td><td>LA6JR40</td><td>6F JR4 90 cm Guiding catheter</td></tr><tr><td>7-0 Prolene</td><td>Ethicon Prolene</td><td>P-6 8648G</td><td>Prolene 7-0, 45 cm</td></tr><tr><td>APLIO Ultrasound</td><td>Canon</td><td>CUS-AA000</td><td>Ultrasound</td></tr><tr><td>Acetylsalicylic acid; 100mg</td><td>Kern Pharma</td><td>NC. 692274.3</td><td>Acetylsalicylic acid</td></tr><tr><td>Aesculap Electrosurgery Nelson</td><td>Aesculap</td><td>GN 640</td><td>Electric bistoury</td></tr><tr><td>Anti-Type I Collagen antibody</td><td>Southern Biotech</td><td>1310-01</td><td>Goat IgG</td></tr><tr><td>Anti-Von Willebrand Factor antibody</td><td>Abcam</td><td>ab6994</td><td>Rabbit polyclonal antibody</td></tr><tr><td>Anti-alpha smooth muscle Actin antibody [1A4]</td><td>Abcam</td><td>ab7817</td><td>Mouse monoclonal antibody</td></tr><tr><td>ArdineClav; 100/12.5 mg/mL</td><td>Reig Jofr&amp;eacute; Laboratory</td><td>NC. 677471</td><td>Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid</td></tr><tr><td>Basic surgery set</td><td>Braun</td><td>VF231R</td><td>General surgery instruments</td></tr><tr><td>Baytril 5%</td><td>Bayer</td><td>NC. 570223</td><td>Enrofloxacin</td></tr><tr><td>Bepanthen Bepantol Eye drops 10 mL</td><td>Bayer</td><td>1578675</td><td>Eye ointment</td></tr><tr><td>Betadine 10%</td><td>Mylan</td><td>NC. 694109-1</td><td>Povidone iodine solution</td></tr><tr><td>Bouin&amp;rsquo;s solution</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>HT10132-1L</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Bupaq; 0.3 mg/mL</td><td>VetViva</td><td>QN02AE01</td><td>Buprenorphine</td></tr><tr><td>Clamp</td><td>Braun</td><td>FB476R</td><td>Surgical Clamp</td></tr><tr><td>Clipper blade</td><td>Aesculap</td><td>GT330</td><td>#10 clipper blade (1.5mm)</td></tr><tr><td>Clopidogrel Qualigen EFG; 75 mg</td><td>Neuraxpharm</td><td>691704</td><td>Clopidogrel</td></tr><tr><td>DAPI</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>10236276001</td><td>4&amp;prime;,6-Diamidine-2&amp;prime;-phenylindole dihydrochloride</td></tr><tr><td>DPX Mountant</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>06522</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dexdomitor 0.5 mg/mL</td><td>Orion Pharma</td><td>NC. 576303.3</td><td>Dexmedetomidine</td></tr><tr><td>Diagnostic X-ray apparatus</td><td>Canon</td><td>CAS-880A</td><td>Angiography machine</td></tr><tr><td>Dolethal</td><td>Vetoquinol</td><td>N.C 570682</td><td>Pentobarbital sodium</td></tr><tr><td>Draxxin; 100 mg/mL</td><td>Zoetis</td><td>NC. 576313.2</td><td>Tulathromycin</td></tr><tr><td>ECG Pads</td><td>Lessa</td><td>9883206</td><td>ECG electrodes</td></tr><tr><td>EMERALD Guidewire</td><td>Cordis</td><td>502-585</td><td>0.035-inch J-tipped wire</td></tr><tr><td>Ethanol 100%</td><td>VWR Chemicals</td><td>64-17-5</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ethanol 70%</td><td>Montplet</td><td>NC. 198750.1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ethanol 96%</td><td>Montplet</td><td>NC. 198741.9</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>External defibrillator</td><td>DigiCare</td><td>CS81XVET</td><td>Manual external defibrillator</td></tr><tr><td>FAV5 Corded Clipper</td><td>Aesculap</td><td>GT105G</td><td>Clipper</td></tr><tr><td>Fendivia; 100 &amp;micro;g/h</td><td>Takeda</td><td>NC. 658524.5</td><td>Fentanyl transdermal patch</td></tr><tr><td>Fentanest 50 mcl/mL</td><td>Kern Pharma</td><td>N01AH01</td><td>Fentanyl</td></tr><tr><td>Fluoromount</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>F4680</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Heparine 1%</td><td>ROVI</td><td>NC. 641647.1</td><td>Heparin</td></tr><tr><td>Horse Serum</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>31874</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ketamidor</td><td>Richter Pharma AG</td><td>NC. 580393.7</td><td>Ketamine</td></tr><tr><td>Ligaclip</td><td>Ethicon</td><td>MCL20</td><td>Hemoclip</td></tr><tr><td>Light Green</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>L1886-25G</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>MD8000vet</td><td>Meditech Equipment</td><td>MD8000vet</td><td>Multi-parameter monitor</td></tr><tr><td>Medaxone; 1 g</td><td>Medochemie limited</td><td>83553</td><td>Ceftriaxone</td></tr><tr><td>Metasedin 10 mg/1 mL</td><td>Esteve Pharmaceuticals</td><td>NC. 700638</td><td>Methadone</td></tr><tr><td>Midazolam</td><td>Laboratorios Normon</td><td>NC. 624437.1</td><td>Midazolam</td></tr><tr><td>NaCl; 0.9%</td><td>Fisiovet</td><td>ATCvet: QB05BB01</td><td>Physiological saline solution</td></tr><tr><td>PBS 10x&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Gibco</td><td>NC. 10010023</td><td>Phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7,4</td></tr><tr><td>PBS 10x with Triton X-100</td><td>Thermo Scientific Chemicals</td><td>NC. J63521.AP</td><td>Phosphate-buffered saline with Triton X-100</td></tr><tr><td>Phosphomolybdic acid</td><td>Merck</td><td>1-005-320-100</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Phosphotungstic acid</td><td>Fluka</td><td>79690</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ponceau Fuchsin</td><td>Merck</td><td>228-319-2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Propovet Multidosis; 10 mg/mL</td><td>Zoetis</td><td>NC. 579742.7</td><td>Propofol</td></tr><tr><td>Radifocus Introducer II Standard Kit R</td><td>Terumo</td><td>RS+R60N10MQ</td><td>6F Vascular sheath</td></tr><tr><td>Ruschelit</td><td>Teleflex</td><td>112482</td><td>Endotracheal tube with balloon (#6.5)</td></tr><tr><td>SevoFlo</td><td>Zoetis</td><td>SEV-00006R2</td><td>Sevoflurane</td></tr><tr><td>Transonic gel G15</td><td>Telic Group</td><td>GC010005</td><td>Ultrasound gel</td></tr><tr><td>Visipaque 320 mg/mL USB 10 x 200 mL</td><td>General Electrics</td><td>1177612</td><td>Iodinated contrast medium</td></tr><tr><td>WATO EX-35</td><td>Mindray</td><td>WATO EX-35Vet</td><td>Anesthesia machine</td></tr><tr><td>Weigert&amp;rsquo;s hematoxylin</td><td>Fluka</td><td>03973</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Weitlaner retractors</td><td>Braun</td><td>BV075R</td><td>Weitlaner retractors</td></tr><tr><td>Xylene</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>265-068-8</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

femoral vascular graft implantation in a swine model to test small-diameter vascular grafts

Femoral Vascular Graft Implantation in a Swine Model to Test Small-Diameter Vascular Grafts

Small-diameter vascular grafts (&#8804;6 mm) are a key focus due to their frequent use in clinical applications and the challenges they present in terms of graft patency and long-term function. Swine serves as an ideal preclinical model for testing such grafts, as their arterial calibers and physiology closely resemble that of humans. This study provides a detailed protocol for testing experimental small-diameter vascular grafts (&#8804;6 mm) in a translational model. In this approach, a segment of the right femoral artery was excised and replaced with an experimental graft. The excised arterial segment served as an autograft and was implanted in the left femoral artery to function as a control. Anastomoses were performed using continuous sutures. Both grafts were monitored non-invasively using Doppler ultrasound, enabling real-time assessment of blood flow and graft patency. On day 30, prior to euthanasia, an angiography was performed. The procedure demonstrated the successful integration of the autograft into the femoral artery, with 100% patency on day 30, as confirmed through Doppler ultrasound. The optimal results in the autograft highlight the feasibility of the surgical technique, providing an ideal platform for studying small diameter (&#8804;6 mm) vascular grafts and offering insights into graft remodeling and potential therapeutic interventions to improve graft patency and long-term outcomes.

To assess the feasibility and performance of the proposed porcine vascular grafting model, the following representative results illustrate the outcomes of the autograft transplantation, used as a control graft in a 30 kg female pig, procedure over the 30-day follow-up period.
The surgical technique was successfully performed, and the animal demonstrated smooth recovery and excellent physical condition. Figure 1 illustrates the key steps of the surgical procedure.<...

This study presents a porcine model for evaluating small-diameter grafts in femoral arteries. The model mimics human vascular dynamics and comprehensively assesses graft patency, hemodynamics, and vascular remodeling. It offers a valuable platform for testing vascular grafts and monitoring them with Doppler ultrasound and angiography.

Small-diameter vascular grafts (&#8804;6 mm) are a key focus due to their frequent use in clinical applications and the challenges they present in terms ...

femoral-vascular-graft-implantation-swine-model-to-test-small

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

Vascularized Composite Allotransplantations (VCA) have become a clinical reality. However, broad clinical application of VCA is limited by chronic multi-drug immunosuppression. The authors present a reliable and reproducible large animal model to translate novel immunomodulatory strategies that can minimize or potentially eliminate the need of immunosuppression in VCA.

A Modified Heterotopic Swine Hind Limb Transplant Model for Translational Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Research

To improve our knowledge of cellular and molecular neotissue formation, a murine model of the TEVG was recently developed. The grafts were implanted as infrarenal vena cava interposition grafts in C57BL/6 mice. This model achieves similar results to those achieved in our clinical investigation, but over a far shortened time-course.

Implantation of Inferior Vena Cava Interposition Graft in Mouse Model

We describe a microsurgical approach for the generation of an arteriovenous (AV) loop as a model for analyzing vascularization in vivo in an isolated and well-characterized environment. This model is not only useful for the investigation of angiogenesis, but is also optimally suited for engineering axially vascularized and transplantable tissues.

The Arteriovenous (AV) Loop in a Small Animal Model to Study Angiogenesis and Vascularized Tissue Engineering

This video demonstrates a model to study the development of myointimal hyperplasia after venous interposition surgery in rats.

Vein Interposition Model: A Suitable Model to Study Bypass Graft Patency

Currently any kind of vascularized composite allotransplantation depends on long-term-immunosuppression, difficult to support for non-life-critical indications. We present a new porcine tibial VCA model that can be used to study bone VCA and demonstrate the use of surgical angiogenesis to maintain bone viability without the need of long-term immune-modulation.

Surgical Angiogenesis in Porcine Tibial Allotransplantation: A New Large Animal Bone Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation Model

The present protocol aims to experimentally create venous intimal hyperplasia by subjecting veins to arterial blood pressure for developing strategies to attenuate venous intimal hyperplasia following revascularization surgery using vein grafts.

A Rabbit Venous Interposition Model Mimicking Revascularization Surgery using Vein Grafts to Assess Intimal Hyperplasia under Arterial Blood Pressure

In this protocol, novel pig vein bypass grafting was performed through a small incision in the left chest wall without cardiopulmonary bypass. A postoperative pathology study was done, which showed intimal thickening.

Establishment and Evaluation of a Porcine Vein Graft Disease Model

A reliable and reproducible approach for the insertion and maintenance of a tunneled Hickman catheter for long-term vascular access in swine is described. Placement of a central venous catheter allows for convenient daily sampling of whole blood from awake animals and intravenous administration of medication and fluids.

Hickman Catheter Use for Long-Term Vascular Access in a Preclinical Swine Model

This protocol describes a minimally invasive surgical procedure for ascending aortic banding in swine.

A Minimally Invasive Model of Aortic Stenosis in Swine

Here, a protocol is presented for the implantation of a tissue-engineered vascular graft into the mouse carotid artery using the cuff technique, providing a suitable animal model for investigating vascular tissue regeneration mechanisms.

Implantation of Tissue-Engineered Vascular Graft in Mouse Carotid Artery via Cuff Technique

Learn a porcine model for evaluating small-diameter vascular grafts in femoral arteries using Doppler ultrasound and angiography. This method enables comprehensive assessment of graft patency, hemodynamics, and vascular remodeling.

Femoral Vascular Graft Implantation in a Swine Model to Test Small-Diameter Vascular Grafts

Explore More Videos