An Experimental Model of Peripheral Ischemia: A Procedure to Generate Peripheral Ischemia via Femoral Artery Ligation in a Rabbit

To isolate the femoral artery, use a #15 scalpel blade to make a longitudinal skin incision over the right femoral artery, making sure that the incision extends inferiorly from the inguinal ligament, and ends at the area just proximal to the patella. Use blunt dissection to expose the femoral artery and open the incision with Weitlaner retractors. Apply approximately 0.5 milliliters of 1% lidocaine locally, to reduce nerve irritation and promote vasodilation.

Continue the blunt dissection of the tissues to free the entire length of the femoral artery along with all of its branches, including the inferior epigastric, deep femoral, lateral circumflex, and superficial epigastric arteries. Dissect along the popliteal and saphenous arteries, as well as the external iliac artery, periodically hydrating the area with saline, to protect against tissue damage.

Carefully separate the femoral artery from the femoral vein and nerve, and place two 4-0 silk sutures on the femoral artery with just enough space between the sutures to allow the artery to be severed. Then, use small Metzenbaum scissors to cut between the two ties of the ligated artery. Excise the femoral artery from where the artery bifurcates to form the saphenous and popliteal arteries, working approximately, tying off any side branches, to excise the rest of the femoral artery to just below the epigastric artery.