ARTERIALIZATION OF THE VENOUS SYSTEM IN A RAT LOWER-LIMB MODEL

Creation of alternative vascular conduits has been one of the most cha llenging subjects in the history of vascular surgery. In the past, aff erent arteriovenous fistulas have been used by vascular surgeons to re scue ischaemic extremities. We have undertaken a comprehensive investi gation to characterize arterialization of the venous system at differe nt levels of the rat lower limb. In Group 1 (n = 28). we performed an end-to-end anastomosis between the proximal saphenous artery and the d istal saphenous vein (Superficial venous system), and ligated all othe r branches of the femoral artery. In Group 2 (n = 28), we performed an end-to-end anastomosis between the proximal saphenous artery and the distal femoral vein (Deep venous system). In Group 3 (n = 24), the con trol group, the femoral artery was ligated proximal to its trifurcatio n into the saphenous, epigastric, and distal femoral vessels. Group 3 (n = 10), the normal group, underwent no surgery. Animals were sacrifi ced at the first, third, and eighth postoperative weeks. Arteriographi c. India ink injection, latex injection, and histological studies were performed on all groups. Successful arterialization of veins, signifi cant neovascularization, and less ischaemic injury of muscles were not ed in the arterialized vein groups (Groups 1 and 2) when compared with the ligated group (Group 3). This model appears to depict successfull y arterialization of the lower limb venous system in a small animal mo del.