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

Published: April 30, 2023

Abstract

Source: Sligar, A. D., et al. Preclinical Model of Hind Limb Ischemia in Diabetic Rabbits. J. Vis. Exp. (2019).

In this video, we demonstrate a surgical procedure to induce peripheral ischemia via femoral artery ligation in a rabbit. This method provides an effective experimental model for peripheral vascular disease research.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.

1. Isolation of the femoral artery

  1. Anesthetize a New Zealand rabbit (4–6 months old) with pre-induced diabetes and hyperlipidemia, using 20–40 mg/kg ketamine and 2 mg/kg midazolam via subcutaneous injection. Place the rabbit on 1.5%–3% isoflurane (typically 2%) throughout the initial sedation using a mask.
  2. Make a longitudinal incision in the skin over the right femoral artery using a scalpel (#15 blade). Ensure that the incision extends inferiorly from the inguinal ligament ending at the area just proximal to the patella (approximately 6 cm).
  3. Use blunt dissection with curved Metzenbaum scissors or a curved mosquito hemostat to expose the femoral artery.
  4. Use Weitlaner retractors to hold the incision open.
  5. Add 0.5 mL of 1% lidocaine locally to reduce nerve irritation and promote vasodilation.
  6. Continue blunt dissection of the tissues to free the entire length of the femoral artery along with all branches of the femoral artery, including the inferior epigastric, deep femoral, lateral circumflex, and superficial epigastric arteries (Figure 1A).
  7. Dissect further along the popliteal and saphenous arteries as well as the external iliac artery (Figure 1A). Periodically moisten the area with saline to protect from tissue damage. If the blunt dissection is performed along the femoral groove (between the muscles) there is no need to cut the muscle.
  8. Carefully separate the artery from the vein and nerve as shown in Figure 1B,C. Ligate the arteries indicated by the diagram with 4.0 silk sutures by placing two ties with enough space between them to cut the artery. These ties are performed with a Surgeon's knot followed by four square knots.
  9. Cut between the two ties on the ligated arteries using the small Metzenbaum scissors. Excise the femoral artery from its proximal origin as a branch of the external iliac artery to the point distally where it bifurcates to form the saphenous and popliteal arteries.

Representative Results

Figure 1
Figure 1: Induction of hind limb ischemia in rabbits through femoral artery ligation and excision. (A) Illustration of the vascular anatomy of the rabbit hind limb. Place ties at all the points marked to ligate the arteries. (B) Surgical field showing the cut down to the femoral artery prior to ligation. (C) Femoral arteries with ligations in place to induce hind limb ischemia.

開示

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Materials

0.9% Sodium Chloride Henry Schein Medical 1537468 / 1531434 250 mL bag / 1000 mL irrigation btl
10 mL Syringe VWR BD309695
27G Needle VWR 89219-288
Acepromazine Patterson Veterinary VEDC207
Alfaxalone Patterson Veterinary 07-891-6051
Buprenorphine SR ZooPharm
Hair Clippers Amazon B000CQZI3Q Oster #40 blade
Heating Pad Cincinnati Subzero 273
Heating Pad Pump Gaymar Gaymar T/Pump
Hemostat Fine Science Tools 13009-12 Curved Mosquito Hemostat
Isoflurane Henry Schein Medical 1100734
Ketamine Patterson Veterinary 856440301
Lidocaine McKesson Medical-Surgical 239936
Lidocaine/Prilocaine cream McKesson Medical-Surgical 761240
Metzenbaum Scissors Fine Science Tools 14019-13
Midazolam Henry Schein Medical 1215470
Scalpel Fine Science Tools 10003-12
Scalpel Blade Fine Science Tools 10015-00 #15 blade
Silk Sutures Ethicon-Johnson & Johnson A183H 4-0 silk ties 18"
Surgical Drapes Gepco 8204S
Weitlaner Retractor Fine Science Tools 17012-13

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記事を引用
An Experimental Model of Peripheral Ischemia: A Procedure to Generate Peripheral Ischemia via Femoral Artery Ligation in a Rabbit. J. Vis. Exp. (Pending Publication), e20928, doi: (2023).

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