Creation of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Sheep by Extrapolation of Rodent Models: Is It Feasible?

None of the extrapolated small animal aneurysm models could produce an AAA in sheep with similar morphological features as the human disease. Some histological findings of human surgical specimens could be reproduced in the elastase-collagenase-treated groups. Long-term histological evaluation indicated stabilization and healing of the aortic wall months after the initial stimulus.