Generating Murine Model of Myocardial Infarction: A Surgical Procedure for Permanent Ligation of Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery in Mouse Model

To begin, prep an anesthetized mouse in the supine position. Make a longitudinal incision in its neck and displace the salivary glands. Next, separate the fascia – a connective tissue layer surrounding the strap muscles – to reveal the underlying trachea.

Through the mouth, insert an intubation cannula and confirm accurate tracheal insertion via the incision. Connect the cannula to the ventilator set to the desired parameters, which provide adequate ventilation to the mouse.

Now, position the mouse in a right lateral decubitus position. Incise the skin between the left pectoralis muscles and separate the fascia. Change the ventilator to positive end-expiratory pressure or PEEP setting.

Perform a left-sided thoracotomy in the third intercostal space – an incision made between the third and fourth ribs. The positive pressure in the airways during the PEEP mode avoids alveolar collapse during thoracotomy.

After accessing the heart, remove the pericardium. Identify the left anterior descending or LAD coronary artery – a bright red vessel branching off from the left coronary artery. The LAD artery supplies blood to the major portion of the left ventricle.

Surgically tie up the LAD artery proximal to the left atria. This ligation of the LAD artery causes paling of the ventricle. Close the incision. Return the animal to its cage. The permanent LAD artery ligation obstructs the blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscles, resulting in their damage and death.