Preliminary exploration of the anatomical characteristics of the supra-aortic arteries and establishment of neurointerventional models in Guangxi Bama miniature pigs based on digital subtraction angiography

Objectives To: (i) summarize the anatomical characteristics of the supra-aortic arteries in Guangxi Bama miniature pigs (GBMPs) based on digital subtraction angiography (DSA); (ii) explore the feasibility of establishing neurointerventional models. Methods Twenty-four GBMPs were selected as experimental subjects. Under general anesthesia, DSA was undertaken via the femoral artery. Based on DSA results, the branching patterns and distribution characteristics of the supra-aortic arteries were analyzed. A DSA post-processing workstation was used to calibrate and measure the diameters of vascular structures. Subsequently, neurointerventional models (aneurysm, stenosis, and thromboembolism of the common carotid artery (CCA)) were established in GBMPs. Results In GBMPs, the aortic arch gives rise to the brachiocephalic trunk and left subclavian artery. The brachiocephalic trunk bifurcates into the right subclavian artery and CCA trunk, which divides further into left and right branches. At their terminal ends, the CCAs give rise to the larger external carotid artery and smaller ascending pharyngeal artery. The vertebral arteries, originating from the subclavian arteries, communicate extensively with carotid and vertebrobasilar systems. Four models of sidewall aneurysms, four models of fusiform aneurysms, eight models of stenoses, and eight thromboembolism models of CCAs were established. One GBMP died from a hematoma at the site of femoral-artery puncture 2 h postoperatively, but the remaining 23 GBMPs survived. Three weeks postoperatively, DSA confirmed establishment of models. Conclusions DSA-based analyses of the supra-aortic arteries in GBMPs confirmed the suitability for modeling the stenosis, aneurysms, and thromboembolism of the CCA in neurointerventional procedures.