Experimental model for comparative evaluation of pharmacologically induced vasodilation of arterial wall mechanical properties.

Arterial wall compliance (C) and distensibility coefficient (DC) are key factors of pathologic physiology, especially in arteries less than 2 mm in diameter. The aim of this study was to design an experimental model allowing comparative measurement of C and DC during pharmacologically induced vasodilation on small-diameter arteries. Both femoral arteries were exposed in eight New Zealand White rabbits.

Wall mechanics of the stented rabbit aorta: long-term study and correlation with histological findings.

Purpose: To evaluate long-term changes in arterial wall mechanics induced by stenting of the rabbit aorta.

Methods: Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits had initial stent deployment (3x8 mm Multilink) at 110% of the pre-stenting abdominal aortic diameter. Group A (n=10) had no postdeployment stent expansion and group B (n=8) had 30% overdilation of the stent.

Arterial stenting and overdilation: does it change wall mechanics in small-caliber arteries?

Purpose: To evaluate changes in arterial wall mechanics induced by stent overdilation in the rabbit aorta.

Methods: Twenty New Zealand white rabbits had initial stent deployment (3-mm x 8-mm Multilink) at 10% overdilation. Group A (n=11) had no subsequent balloon expansion of the stent and Group B (n=9) had 30% overdilation of the stent.

Regional blood flows are affected differently by PEEP when the abdomen is open or closed: an experimental rabbit model.

Objective: The study of induced circulatory changes requires simultaneous assessment of multiple regional circulations because of interactions and compensatory mechanisms. Positive end expiratory pressure mechanical ventilation (PEEP) is known to cause marked, and potentially deleterious, cardiovascular changes. Our aim was to use a comprehensive approach to assess PEEP-induced circulatory changes in open vs closed abdomen animals.