A model of dural arteriovenous fistula in rats

Objective To establish a model of dural arteriovenous fistula after inducing the dural sinus hypertension by anastomosising carotid artery and external jugular vein as well as occluding transverse sinus and anterior one third of superior sagittal sinus in rats. Methods 51 SD male rats weighted 200 - 250 g were divided into two groups randomly: 45 rats for experimental group in which each rat underwent the following operation: anastomosis of right common carotid artery and external jugular vein as well as occlusion of left transverse sinus and anterior one third of superior sagittal sinus; control group including 6 rats in which the above vessels and sinus were exposed, but were not anastomosed or occluded. Angiogram was performed 90 days postoperatively. Results 28 rats in the experimental group had facial arteriovenous fistula, in which 6 rats demonstrated dural arteriovenous fistula. The occurrence rate of dural arteriovenous fistula in the experimental group was 13. 3%. There was no fistula formed in the control group. Conclusion Venous hypertension of dural sinus produced by anastomosis of carotid artery and jugular vein with occlusion of dural sinus can induce formation of dural arteriovenous fistula, which can be used as a model for research of human dural arteriovenous fistula.