Experimental Surgical Aneurysms in the Rat

Three different surgical methods were used to create experimental models of aneurysms in rats. The first model was an autogeneous side-to-side anastomosis of the inferior vena cava to the abdominal aorta. This model proved to be ac ceptable for acute preparations but was not amenable to survival surgery since occlusion of the venous circulation occurred. The second model developed was a renal vein aneurysm that was created in either of two ways: (1) the left renal vein was ligated at its juncture with the inferior vena cava and a partial ne phrectomy performed, or (2) the left renal vein was ligated in the same manner, as well as the inferior suprarenal artery. With either technique, the aneurysm developed within five to ten minutes. This model was technically satisfactory but also occluded the venous circulation as the first method had. The third model developed was a heterogeneous aorta of a donor animal grafted to the abdominal aorta of a recipient animal. This model proved to be best for survival surgery and gave patent aneurysms up to one week following surgery.