Assessing Vessel Perfusion via Angiography: A Technique to Introduce Contrast Agent in Descending Aorta to Visualize Blood Vessel Perfusion in Rabbit Model

Abstract

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

This video describes the technique for performing angiography by injecting a contrast agent into the descending aorta to visualize blood vessel perfusion in a rabbit model. This technique helps to understand the perfusion in blood vessels with blockages and after treatment during recovery.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board. 1. Preparation of rabbit for surgery Anesthetize the rabbit 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. Give an injection of alfaxalone to maintain anesthesia via an intramuscular…

Representative Results

Figure 1: Angiograms for the hind limb of a diabetic and non-diabetic rabbit pre-surgery, post-surgery and after recovery for 70 days after femoral artery ligation and excision. (A) Angiogram of ischemic limb (left) and contralateral control limb (right). (B) Enlarged image of the ischemic limb at the site of ligation. 

Materials

Angiography Equipment	Toshiba	Infinix-i
Guidewire	Boston Scientific	39122-01
Insertion Tool	Merit Medical Systems	MAP550	metal wire insertion tool
Lidocaine	McKesson Medical-Surgical	239936
Ligaloop	V. Mueller	CH117 / CH116	White Mini / Yellow Mini
Pigtail Catheter	Merit Medical Systems	1310-21-0053	3F pigtail
Silk Sutures	Ethicon-Johnson & Johnson	A183H	4-0 silk ties 18"
Syringe Pump	DRE Veterinary		Versaflow VF-300
Visipaque contrast media	McKesson Medical-Surgical	509055
Angiography Injector	Medrad