An experimental model of ischemia in rabbit hindlimb

This study was performed to establish an experimental model of ischemia for the investigation of new treatment modality of limb-threatening ischemia. We produced ischemia in the hindlimbs of 8 New Zealand white rabbits. Under general anesthesia, the left femoral artery was exposed, freed, and excise d from distal external iliac artery to proximal popliteal and saphenous art eries. And then both hindlimbs were serially examined to assess the ischemi a according to the time table until postoperative 6 weeks. We assessed clin ical observation, blood pressure, radioisotopic perfusion scan, and angiogr aphy. Clinical ischemic changes of the operated feet were observed in 63%. The blood pressure of left calves was measurable on postoperative day 3 (p < 0.05, vs preoperative day 2) and then gradually increased to reach a plat eau in postoperative week 6. Radioisotopic arterial perfusion showed simila r profiles as in blood pressure. Angiography of ischemic hindlimbs demonstr ated a few collateral vessels arising from the internal iliac artery with t he reconstitution of the posterior tibial artery in postoperative week 2. I n postoperative week 6, collaterals remained the same in number. However, t hese became dilated and tortuous and showed reconstitution in distal hindle g. In conclusion, this is a reproducible, measurable, and economical animal model of hind limb ischemia.