Simple New Method for Making a Rat Carotid Artery Post-angioplasty Stenosis Model

A simple new method for making a rat post-angioplasty stenosis model was developed using a single-lumen compliant balloon catheter/guidewire system and no special diet. This technique was applied to 10 9-week-old Wistar rats fed a normal diet. The catheter/guidewire system was inserted from the external carotid artery and advanced retrogradely into the common carotid artery. The balloon was inflated six times with rotation through 60°. After angioplasty, the external carotid artery was ligated. Homogeneous stenoses due to intimal hyperplasia were demonstrated in cross sections of all cases. This simple and gentle method allows an easily reproducible post-angioplasty stenosis model.