Exposing Infrarenal Abdominal Aorta in Porcine Model: A Surgical Procedure to Access Porcine Infrarenal Abdominal Aorta for Further Studies

In pigs, the abdominal aorta – the main artery in the abdominal cavity – transports oxygenated blood from the heart to organs in the abdominal cavity and lower extremities through its branches.

The abdominal aorta divides into the suprarenal and infrarenal abdominal aortas – SAA and IAA – above and below the renal arteries, respectively. The abdominal aorta trifurcates into two external iliac arteries and a common trunk of the internal iliac artery, further branching into two internal iliac arteries and a sacral median artery.

To access the IAA, prep an anesthetized pig in the supine position. Using an electrocautery probe with a low-voltage current, make a midline abdominal incision with minimal blood loss by coagulating tissue to expose the abdominal cavity. Keep the abdominal organs hydrated for optimal tissue function.

Displace the organs revealing the retroperitoneum, area behind the abdominal cavity, including the organs contributing to urinary and circulatory functions. Incise the tissue layer lining the abdominal cavity to access the retroperitoneum.

Locate the IAA, adjacent to inferior vena cava – a large vein carrying deoxygenated blood from the lower body and abdomen to the heart. Circumferentially dissect the IAA from the surrounding tissues, ranging from the renal blood vessels to the aortic trifurcation, avoiding vascular injury. The exposed IAA is ready for further studies.