New mechanical thrombectomy model in the rabbit: A feasibility study

- This study demonstrates the feasibility of a novel thromboembolism model in rabbits.
- It is suitable for evaluating novel mechanical thrombectomy devices and training of existing methods in a preclinical setting.
- Hematologic and morphological characteristics of this model are comparable to human conditions.
- The model represents a valid and cost-effective alternative to commonly used pig models.

Background and purposeThrombolytic therapy represented the gold standard for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Its drawbacks include increased bleeding risk and low recanalization rates. Mechanical thrombectomy is a new promising therapy option. Devices used for this procedure were substantially improved during recent years. New devices require extensive preclinical invivo testing. We therefore sought to translate the commonly used pig model to a simplified and cheaper rabbit model.Materials and methodsWe performed thromboembolisation in eight intubated and sedated adult female New Zealand white rabbits. The thrombus was created by careful rotation of autologous blood in a silicone tube and addition of barium sulfate for radiopacity. We injected the artificial thrombus via a catheter through the cannulated femoral artery. After thromboembolisation, 2D-DSA was performed to evaluate location and thrombus dimensions.Comparison with exisiting method(s)None.ResultsNo complications or mortality were observed in our series. In seven cases (87.5%) the location of the thromboembolism was the maxillary artery and in one case (12.5%) the thrombus reached the occipital artery. The radiopaque thrombus had a length of 7.0 ± 4.55 mm invivo. Vessel diameters in angiographic evaluation were 2.44 ± 0.21 mm for the common carotid artery and 2.1 ± 0.16 mm for the maxillary artery.ConclusionsThe novel small animal model for mechanical thrombectomy in rabbit is technically feasible and cheap. It offers comparable vessel diameters to cranial arteries and closely mimics human coagulation system.