A new porcine model of ascending aortic aneurysm established using a cover-then-cut method.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To establish a reproducible porcine model of ascending aortic aneurysm (AsAA). METHODS: We created an AsAA in twelve domestic pigs using a cover-then-cut method, stitching a glutaraldehyde tanned bovine pericardial patch onto the anterolateral aortic wall, then cutting off aortic wall tissue within the patch, and closing the incision in the patch. RESULTS: The AsAA creation was completed successfully in 11 out of the 12 pigs (91.7%). The mean maximal diameter of the ascending aorta increased significantly by 1.77 times, immediately after the operation (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). Significantly continuous expansion of the aneurysm was observed during the follow up period, to 48.9&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;1.80&#xa0;mm at 3&#xa0;months and 50.3&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;2.25&#xa0;mm at 6&#xa0;months (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This porcine model of AsAA, created using a repeatable cover-then-cut method, represents a reproducible platform for studying and training, which could contribute to the development of new feasible endovascular treatments of AsAAs.