Predilection of experimental arterial aneurysms for dietary-induced lipid deposition.

In 14 stock rabbits experimental aneurysms (saccular, fusiform or berry) were produced on the common carotid artery or the aorta by microvascular surgery using a modification of the venous pouch technique. The animals were given a cholesterol-rich diet at varying times postoperatively to determine the susceptibility of the experimental aneurysmal walls to dietary-induced lipid deposition. The experimental aneurysms all exhibited a pronounced predilection for dietary-induced lipid deposition, greater than that of the host artery or the contralateral vein. The results demonstrate the importance of haemodynamic stress in the localization of dietary induced lipid deposition.