Transverse Aortic Arch Banding in Mouse Model: A Minimally Invasive Technique in Mice for Induction of High Pressure in the Left Ventricle

Minimally invasive transverse aortic constriction or aortic arch banding is a simplified procedure to generate a mouse model of cardiovascular disease. Begin with an anesthetized mouse in the supine position. Shave the neck and the chest region. Perform a midline incision to expose the underlying muscle layer.

Slit through the muscle layer to access the thyroid gland and sternum. Next, separate the tracheal muscles and cut the sternum to reveal the underlying thymus gland. Separate the thymus lobes from one another to reveal the transverse aortic arch and carotid arteries. Place a curved needle under the aortic arch and push it out between the vessel wall.

Pass a ligature through this perforation and place a spacer in the loop to adjust the loop diameter. Now, tighten the suture around the aorta to occlude the vessel. This increases the blood-flow velocity in the right carotid artery, causing increased blood pressure in the ascending aorta and the left ventricle.

Thereafter, remove the spacer and cut the thread. Then, reposition the organs and suture the skin. Transfer the mouse to the recovery cage and monitor its cardiac function. Aortic banding induces left ventricular overload, leading to thickening of chamber walls and diminished cardiac output.