Construction of Aneurysmal Models on a Curved Vascular Segment of a Carotid Siphon Model for Testing Endovascular Devices.

Objective: To investigate construction of an aneurysm on a curved vascular segment of a carotid siphon model for testing endovascular devices.

Methods: Preshaped carotid siphon models of polytetrafluoroethylene were constructed from a human cadaver for confining canine common carotid artery (CCA). The canine right external jugular vein was isolated and harvested to make a venous pouch by suturing 1 end. The right CCA was isolated, and the venous pouch was sutured onto the right CCA to make an aneurysm. The right CCA segment containing the aneurysm was excised and guided through the preshaped polytetrafluoroethylene carotid siphon model using a guidewire with the aneurysm adjusted to protrude out of the round window of the siphon model. The siphon model together with the aneurysm was sutured end-to-end onto the left CCA to form a carotid siphon model in vivo.

Results: Five canine models were successfully constructed; the average construction time was 120 minutes. All aneurysms and siphon models remained patent 7 days and 2 weeks later. Five covered stents for intracranial use were tested for flexibility and apposition to the vascular wall in the curved segment of the carotid siphon model in vivo. All the covered stents passed the tortuous siphon model without much difficulty and were deployed successfully to cover the aneurysm orifice without endoleak.

Conclusions: The carotid siphon model in vivo can simulate well the geometry of the human carotid siphon segment and can be used to test endovascular devices for interventions.