Vascular grafts in the rat model: An anatomic study

Vascular grafts in animal models have been used extensively in the microsur gical laboratory, and the rat offers an excellent source of graft to meet t hese needs. In this study, we compiled a list of vessels that were previous ly identified in experimental literature for use as vascular grafts in the rat model. We then dissected and measured both arterial and venous grafts t aken from these sites in 12 adult rats. The surgical procedure for approach ing each vascular graft was recorded. The diameter and harvestable length, the star? and end points, and the number of branches of the graft were tabu lated. We believe that these data will provide valuable insight applicable to the use of the rat vascular graft in microsurgical research and training . (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.