Sclero-Obliteration of Veins Using Autologous Plasma Gel in an Experimental Model

Abstract

Background. The aim of the study was to develop a method of venous obliteration using autologous plasma gel (APG) in experimental animals. Methods. The experiments were conducted on normal male rabbits weighing 5–6 kg. All manipulations with laboratory animals were carried out in accordance with the International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals (1985). Blood was drawn from the marginal ear vein in non-anaesthetised rabbits under sterile conditions. Autologous plasma was prepared from the rabbit blood samples stored in anticoagulant containing tubes using PlasmoliftingTM technology. Samples were then placed in a thermostat at 75–90 °C for five min. After reaching the target temperature, the obtained APG was injected into the marginal ear vein. Results. APG obliteration was performed in 20 veins in 10 rabbits. On visual examination, complete filling of the vein and the absence of blood flow were noted immediately after APG injection. The target vein was obliterated on day five. On day 14, the vein was smoothed out and not visualised. The veins were harvested for histology on day one, five, and 14 after the procedure. Samples were stained with haematoxylin eosin and Masson trichrome, and analysed under x200 magnification. On day one the vein was dilated and filled with thrombus with areas of desquamated endothelium. A fragment of layered tissue of bright raspberry colour was determined in the lumen of the vein. There was oedema of the vein wall and its partial separation into layers. On day five the lumen of the vein was widened, filled with organised thrombus, single fibroblasts were visible, and weak growth of the fibrous connective tissue in the vein wall was noted. On day 14 organised thrombus with single fibrotic cells were visible in the lumen of the vein, the endothelium was proliferating in places, and the vein wall was oedematous. In serial sections, partial obliteration of the lumen of the vein was noted, its wall was oedematous with myxoid change, with single round cell elements. Conclusion. Autologous plasma gel is effective and safe for vein obliteration in an experimental rabbit model.