Experimental study of establishing inferior vena cava thrombus model in rabbits

Objective To explore the feasibility and success rate of establishing inferior vena cava thrombus model by the operation in which the spiral copper wire was placed into the inferior vena cava of rabbits. Methods Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into thrombus group( n = 25) and control group( n = 5). The inferior vena cava of rabbits in thrombus group was exposed through operation,then the self-made spiral copper wire was punctured into the inferior vena cava. The self-made U-shaped copper wire clip was placed around the area of proximal parte of inferior vena cava. Then the clip was frapped and the 2mm gap was kept. After stopped bleeding,the abdominal muscle,peritoneum and skin were sewn up. The rabbits in control group were sham operated,however,the spiral copper wire was not placed in inferior vena cava. All the rabbits were executed and dissected 1 day after the operation. The thrombosis condition of rabbits in thrombus group was observed,the success rate of establishing the models with inferior vena cava thrombus was calculated. The inferior vena cava blood flow status in rabbits of control group was observed. Moreover the paraffin slices of thrombus were stained by Hematoxylin-eosin( HE) to check the pathological characteristic of thrombus in thrombus group. Results The inferior vena cava vessel wall of rabbits in thrombus group was complete in which thrombosis in inferior vena cava could be found in 23 rabbits,and the thrombus included white or red thrombus which adhered to the spiral copper wire,with the success rate was being 92%( 23 /25). However thrombosis in inferior vena cava could not be found in 5 rabbits of control group. The pathological examination showed that the thrombus in thrombus group was fresh mixed thrombus. Conclusion The success rate of establishing inferior vena cava thrombus model by the method is higher,and the pathological characteristics of thrombus are consistent with those of deep vein thrombus,which can be used in experimental study for vein thrombus.