A Murine Model of Carotid Aneurysm Formation

Cerebral aneurysms are present in approximately 2%-5% of the population and represent a significant public health concern due to their high rates of mortality and morbidity upon rupture. Despite advancements in research, the development of effective and reproducible animal models remains a challenge. Among the available models, surgically induced aneurysms are widely utilized; however, the technical complexity of these procedures often limits their accessibility. These methods require extensive surgical expertise and are associated with higher rates of intraoperative mortality or inconsistent aneurysm formation, which can compromise the reliability of experimental outcomes. To address these limitations, this video article introduces a simplified surgical procedure for inducing carotid aneurysms in mice, performed in a single session. This streamlined approach has demonstrated an impressive 87% success rate in inducing carotid aneurysms in female mice. By reducing technical challenges and improving reproducibility, this method provides a practical and reliable alternative for cerebral aneurysm research. Its widespread adoption could facilitate standardized studies, accelerate the development of therapeutic strategies, and ultimately advance our understanding of aneurysm pathophysiology.