A new porcine model of ascending aortic aneurysm established using a cover-then-cut method

Surg Today. 2021 Jun;51(6):906-915. doi: 10.1007/s00595-020-02198-x. Epub 2021 Jan 6.

Abstract

Purpose: To establish a reproducible porcine model of ascending aortic aneurysm (AsAA).

Methods: We created an AsAA in twelve domestic pigs using a cover-then-cut method, stitching a glutaraldehyde tanned bovine pericardial patch onto the anterolateral aortic wall, then cutting off aortic wall tissue within the patch, and closing the incision in the patch.

Results: The AsAA creation was completed successfully in 11 out of the 12 pigs (91.7%). The mean maximal diameter of the ascending aorta increased significantly by 1.77 times, immediately after the operation (p < 0.05). Significantly continuous expansion of the aneurysm was observed during the follow up period, to 48.9 ± 1.80 mm at 3 months and 50.3 ± 2.25 mm at 6 months (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: This porcine model of AsAA, created using a repeatable cover-then-cut method, represents a reproducible platform for studying and training, which could contribute to the development of new feasible endovascular treatments of AsAAs.

Keywords: Animal models; Ascending aortic aneurysm; Pericardium; Swine.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aorta* / surgery
  • Cattle
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Endovascular Procedures
  • Glutaral
  • Pericardium / transplantation
  • Suture Techniques
  • Swine

Substances

  • Glutaral