An experimental model of Stanford type B aortic dissection with intravenous epinephrine injection

Abstract

The aim of this study was to create an experimental model of aortic dissection (AD) with a long-term patent false lumen to develop new treatments for Stanford type B aortic dissection. Sixteen adult beagle dogs (weight 14–18 kg) were used. After exposure and partially clamping, the descending aorta was cut through the adventitia to one-third of the depth of the tunica media. The aortic wall was divided into two layers by raspatory. Then half the circumference of the inner layer was cut transversely. All of the proximal layers and the distal outer layers were anastomosed together. Epinephrine was immediately used to expand the false lumen, and the effect was terminated using nitroglycerin when necessary. All dogs underwent both digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) immediately after and 1 week and 1 month after surgery. The dogs were followed up at 1 day, 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years. The surgery was successful in 12 dogs. Dissection formation was observed immediately after epinephrine administration and confirmed by DSA and CTA. Our results showed typical characteristics of AD, such as a tear, septum, and true and false lumens. This is an easy and feasible way of developing a Stanford type B AD model by intravenous injection of epinephrine. In this canine model of AD, the false lumen has excellent long-term patency and the dissection plane is histologically similar to that in human AD. This model may contribute to the development of new treatments for Stanford type B AD.