Microsurgically produced bifurcation aneurysms in a rabbit model for endovascular coil embolization.

The authors present a detailed account of the microsurgical production of bifurcation aneurysms in chinchilla rabbits for basic studies of endovascular coil embolization of aneurysms. End-to-side anastomoses of both common carotid arteries (CCAs) were performed, and a venous pouch was fitted into the newly created bifurcation. These experimental aneurysms closely mimic human cerebral aneurysms in size and hemodynamic features. Sixty-three animals underwent operation. Fifteen animals died in the course of the experiment and 15 were excluded because of a CCA occlusion within the carotid bifurcation. Electrical detachable platinum coils, also known as Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs), and tungsten mechanical detachable coils (MDCs) were used for the endovascular occlusion of 26 bifurcation aneurysms (16 rabbits were treated with GDCs and 10 with MDCs). Initially, complete angiographic obliteration (95%-100% occlusion of the aneurysm) was achieved in nine rabbits and incomplete obliteration (< 95% occlusion) was seen in 17 animals. Final angiography 3 to 6 months later demonstrated complete occlusion in only four and partial occlusion in 22 aneurysms. At present, the histopathological examination of 17 embolized aneurysms has revealed incomplete obliteration of all aneurysms, even in those three cases that were thought to be completely embolized according to angiographic criteria. A general overestimation of the radiological degree of aneurysm obliteration was found.