Preliminary Exploration of the Anatomical Characteristics of the Supra-Aortic Arteries and Establishment of Neurointerventional Models in Guangxi Bama Miniature Pigs Based on Digital Subtraction Angiography.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To: (i) summarize the anatomical characteristics of the supra-aortic arteries in Guangxi Bama miniature pigs (GBMPs) based on digital subtraction angiography (DSA); (ii) explore the feasibility of establishing neurointerventional models. METHODS: Twenty-four GBMPs were selected as experimental subjects. Under general anesthesia, DSA was undertaken via the femoral artery. Based on DSA results, the branching patterns and distribution characteristics of the supra-aortic arteries were analyzed. A DSA postprocessing workstation was used to calibrate and measure the luminal diameters of vascular structures. Subsequently, neurointerventional models-including aneurysm, stenosis, and thromboembolism of the common carotid artery (CCA)-were established in GBMPs. RESULTS: In GBMPs, the aortic arch gives rise to the brachiocephalic trunk and left subclavian artery. The brachiocephalic trunk bifurcates into the right subclavian artery and CCA trunk, which divides further into left and right branches. At their terminal ends, the CCAs give rise to the larger external carotid artery and smaller ascending pharyngeal artery. The vertebral arteries, originating from the subclavian arteries, communicate extensively with carotid and vertebrobasilar systems. Four models of sidewall aneurysms, 4 models of fusiform aneurysms, 8 models of stenoses, and 8 thromboembolism models of CCAs were established. One GBMP died from a hematoma at the site of femoral-artery puncture 2 hr postoperatively, but the remaining 23 GBMPs survived. Three weeks postoperatively, DSA confirmed establishment of models. CONCLUSIONS: GBMPs are suitable for providing anatomical models of the supra-aortic arteries, as successfully evaluated by DSA, and that these models are appropriate for simulating neurointerventional conditions such as stenosis, aneurysms, and thrombosis.