Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this study was to develop a minimal invasive complete spinal cord injury (SCI) minipig model for future research applications. The minipig is considered a translationally relevant model for SCI research. However, a standardized minimal invasive complete SCI model for pigs has not yet been established.MethodsAdult Göttingen minipigs were anesthetized and placed in extended prone position. After initial computed tomography (CT) scan, the skin was incised, a needle placed in the epidural fatty tissue. Using the Seldinger technique, a guidewire and dilators were introduced to insert the balloon catheter to Th12. After confirmation of the level Th11/Th12, the balloon was inflated to 2 atm for 30 min. The severity of the lesion was followed by CT and by MRI, and by immunohistochemistry. Function was assessed at the motor and sensory level.ResultsDuration of procedure was about 60 min including the 30-min compression time. The balloon pressure of 2 atm was maintained without losses. The lesion site was clearly discernible and no intradural bleeding was observed by CT. Neurological assessments during the 4-month follow-up time showed consistent, predictable, and stable neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging analyses at 6 h and 4 weeks post SCI with final immunohistochemical analyses of spinal cord tissue underlined the neurological outcomes and proved SCI completeness.ConclusionsWe have established a new, minimal invasive, highly standardized, CT-guided spinal cord injury procedure for minipigs. All risks of the open surgery can be excluded using this technique. This CT-guided SC compression is an excellent technique as it avoids long surgery and extensive trauma and allows a feasible inter-animal comparison.
Highlights
Traumatic spinal cord injury is a devastating condition with significant immediate loss of motor and sensory functions and subsequent morbidities and complications such as autonomic nervous system disturbances, loss of bladder and bowel control with increased risk for upper urinary tract infections, loss of sexual function, development of decubitus, and ulcers, having an irreversible impact on quality of life [1, 2]
We describe a new, minimal invasive, computed tomography (CT)-guided and controlled balloon compression technique for Göttingen minipigs
The primary goal was to create a new minimal invasive, CT-guided, highly standardized, technique to produce a complete Traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) in minipigs as a model for future translational studies
Summary
Traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) is a devastating condition with significant immediate loss of motor and sensory functions and subsequent morbidities and complications such as autonomic nervous system disturbances, loss of bladder and bowel control with increased risk for upper urinary tract infections, loss of sexual function, development of decubitus, and ulcers, having an irreversible impact on quality of life [1, 2]. With respect to the central nervous system, this includes, for example, (i) the anatomical position of the corticospinal tract (CST), (ii) the gray and white matter distribution in general, (iii) the anatomy of spinal blood vessels and the blood flow characteristics, (iv) brain and spinal cord growth and development, and (v) the fact that the porcine and human spinal cord, but not that of rodents, are environed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) [7, 13, 14]. The primary goal was to create a new minimal invasive, CT-guided, highly standardized, technique to produce a complete tSCI in minipigs as a model for future translational studies. The aim of this study was to develop a minimal invasive complete spinal cord injury (SCI) minipig model for future research applications. A standardized minimal invasive complete SCI model for pigs has not yet been established
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