This work was supported in part by the National Institute of Health grant R01-HL095498, as well as with the resources and the use of facilities at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT.

1. Anesthesia and Pre-operative Procedures
<ol>
 <li>Induction of general anesthesia 
 Approval by the appropriate Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee is obtained. Male C57/black mice, aged 10 weeks, are anesthetized. Deliver 4% isoflurane with 0.8 L/min oxygen to a Plexiglas box via an isoflurane vaporizer and place the mouse inside. Alternatively, if preferred by the surgeon, intraperitoneal anesthesia can be used.</li>
 <li>Preserving anesthesia 
 After confirmation of anesthesia by lack of reactio...

<ol>
	<li>Allon, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Current+management+of+vascular+access.">Current management of vascular access.</a> Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. 2 (4), 786-800 (2007).</li><li>Dixon, B. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Why+don't+fistulas+mature?.">Why don't fistulas mature?.</a> Kidney International. 70 (8), 1413-1422 (2006).</li><li>Roy-Chaudhury, P., Spergel, L. M., Besarab, A., Asif, A., Ravani, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Biology+of+arteriovenous+fistula+failure.">Biology of arteriovenous fistula failure.</a> Journal of Nephrology. 20 (2), 150-163 (2007).</li><li>Kudo, F. A., Muto, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Venous+identity+is+lost+but+arterial+identity+is+not+gained+during+vein+graft+adaptation.">Venous identity is lost but arterial identity is not gained during vein graft adaptation.</a> Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. 27 (7), 1562-1571 (2007).</li><li>Muto, A., Yi, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Eph-B4+prevents+venous+adaptive+remodeling+in+the+adult+arterial+environment.">Eph-B4 prevents venous adaptive remodeling in the adult arterial environment.</a> The Journal of Experimental Medicine. 208 (3), 561-575 (2011).</li><li>Croatt, A. J., Grande, J. P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+a+model+of+an+arteriovenous+fistula+in+the+rat:+the+effect+of+L-NAME.">Characterization of a model of an arteriovenous fistula in the rat: the effect of L-NAME.</a> The American Journal of Pathology. 176 (5), 2530-2541 (2010).</li><li>Misra, S., Fu, A. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+rat+femoral+arteriovenous+fistula+model:+increased+expression+of+matrix+metalloproteinase-2+and+-9+at+the+venous+stenosis.">The rat femoral arteriovenous fistula model: increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 at the venous stenosis.</a> Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. 19 (4), 587-594 (2008).</li><li>Kojima, T., Miyachi, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+relationship+between+venous+hypertension+and+expression+of+vascular+endothelial+growth+factor:+hemodynamic+and+immunohistochemical+examinations+in+a+rat+venous+hypertension+model.">The relationship between venous hypertension and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor: hemodynamic and immunohistochemical examinations in a rat venous hypertension model.</a> Surgical Neurology. 68 (3), 277-284 (2007).</li><li>Caplice, N. M., Wang, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neoangiogenesis+and+the+presence+of+progenitor+cells+in+the+venous+limb+of+an+arteriovenous+fistula+in+the+rat.">Neoangiogenesis and the presence of progenitor cells in the venous limb of an arteriovenous fistula in the rat.</a> American Journal of Physiology Renal Physiology. 293 (2), F470-F475 (2007).</li><li>Nath, K. A., Kanakiriya, S. K., Grande, J. P., Croatt, A. J., Katusic, Z. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Increased+venous+proinflammatory+gene+expression+and+intimal+hyperplasia+in+an+aorto-caval+fistula+model+in+the+rat.">Increased venous proinflammatory gene expression and intimal hyperplasia in an aorto-caval fistula model in the rat.</a> The American Journal of Pathology. 162 (6), 2079-2090 (2003).</li><li>Karram, T., Hoffman, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Induction+of+cardiac+hypertrophy+by+a+controlled+reproducible+sutureless+aortocaval+shunt+in+the+mouse.">Induction of cardiac hypertrophy by a controlled reproducible sutureless aortocaval shunt in the mouse.</a> Journal of Investigative Surgery. 18 (6), 325-334 (2005).</li><li>Perry, G. J., Mori, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Genetic+variation+in+angiotensin-converting+enzyme+does+not+prevent+development+of+cardiac+hypertrophy+or+upregulation+of+angiotensin+II+in+response+to+aortocaval+fistula.">Genetic variation in angiotensin-converting enzyme does not prevent development of cardiac hypertrophy or upregulation of angiotensin II in response to aortocaval fistula.</a> Circulation. 103 (7), 1012-1016 (2001).</li><li>Guzman, R. J., Krystkowiak, A., Zarins, C. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Early+and+sustained+medial+cell+activation+after+aortocaval+fistula+creation+in+mice.">Early and sustained medial cell activation after aortocaval fistula creation in mice.</a> The Journal of Surgical Research. 108 (1), 112-121 (2002).</li><li>Castier, Y., Lehoux, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+neointima+lesions+associated+with+arteriovenous+fistulas+in+a+mouse+model.">Characterization of neointima lesions associated with arteriovenous fistulas in a mouse model.</a> Kidney International. 70 (2), 315-320 (2006).</li></ol>

There are several reports that have described AVF in rats, including femoral AVF,6, 7 carotid to jugular AVF8 and aorto-caval AVF.9, 10 The rat is several times larger than the mouse, allowing easier surgery in the rat compared to the mouse. Nevertheless, in order to take advantage of mouse genetic strains and variants the procedure must be extended to include mouse models. Several previously published reports introduced the AVF model in mice, but these reports have generally been in the ...

The most common option chosen for renal replacement therapy in patients with end stage renal disease is hemodialysis. Access for hemodialysis is performed by arteriovenous fistula (AVF), arteriovenous graft, or temporary catheter placement. Although AVF are the preferred mode of access, AVF are still far from perfect. One-year primary AVF patency rates are only 60-65%, with many failures due to neointimal hyperplasia. The molecular biology and physiology of normal AVF formation and maladaptive formation remains poorly characterized. As such, much is to be gained in improving AVF outcomes with the accompanying gain in understanding of the regulation of fistula formation.1-3
Exposure of a vein to arterial flow is commonly studied in the context of vein grafts that are direct models of surgical bypass.4, 5 Although vein grafts and AVF similarly expose a vein to an arterial environment, there are several critical differences between them. First, the resistance of the distal runoff bed is much lower in AVF, as the AVF drains to the right atrium whereas the vein graft drains to the often diseased distal small arteries, resulting in increased blood flow and shear stress in the AVF. Second, the blood in the venous limb of the AVF can be a mixture of venous and arterial blood leading to lower oxygenation compared to the purely arterial content in the vein graft. Third, the vein in the AVF is not removed from its bed, leading to preservation of its vaso venorum and nervous innervations, compared to the complete transposition of the vein graft into the arterial bed. Lastly, the number of anastomoses is usually two in vein grafts whereas an AVF typically has only one. In this study, we introduce a mouse model of aortocaval fistula that can be used for the study of AVF.

<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Name of equipment</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog number</td>
			<td>Comments (optional)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vevo 770 ultrasound machine</td>
			<td>Visualsonics</td>
			<td>20-60 Mhz scan head; RMV-704</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vascular clamp</td>
			<td>Roboz Surgical Instrument Co.</td>
			<td>RS-5424</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Clamp applying forceps</td>
			<td>Roboz Surgical Instrument Co.</td>
			<td>RS-5410</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>25 Gauge Needle</td>
			<td>Becton Dickinson</td>
			<td>BD PrecisionGlide Needle 25 G x 7/8 #305124</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

technical aspects of the mouse aortocaval fistula

Technical aspects of creating an arteriovenous fistula in the mouse are discussed. Under general anesthesia, an abdominal incision is made, and the aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC) are exposed. The proximal infrarenal aorta and the distal aorta are dissected for clamp placement and needle puncture, respectively. Special attention is paid to avoid dissection between the aorta and the IVC. After clamping the aorta, a 25 G needle is used to puncture both walls of the aorta into the IVC. The surrounding connective tissue is used for hemostatic compression. Successful creation of the AVF will show pulsatile arterial blood flow in the IVC. Further confirmation of successful AVF can be achieved by post-operative Doppler ultrasound.

After practice, survival on the first post-operative day is typically over 95%; at post-operative day 7, survival was 91.3%. Figures 1 and 2 show the ideal puncture site in coronal and cross-sectional views; placement of the puncture site is critical to obtaining good survival without excessive hemorrhage. Intra-operative deaths and early post-operative deaths are typically due to hemorrhage. This tends to occur with excessive dissection between the aorta and the IVC, or from inadequate hemostatic pressu...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Technical Aspects of the Mouse Aortocaval Fistula at JoVE.com

Technical Aspects of the Mouse Aortocaval Fistula

The goal is to produce an arteriovenous fistula that is simple and reproducible. This method does not use sutures or glue adhesive. Therefore the samples can be used with the least amount of foreign materials for analysis.

Technical aspects of creating an arteriovenous fistula in the mouse are discussed. Under general anesthesia, an abdominal incision is made, and the aorta ...

technical-aspects-of-the-mouse-aortocaval-fistula

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

16.1K vistas.  Yale University. El objetivo es producir una fístula arteriovenosa que es simple y reproducible. Este método no utiliza suturas o adhesivos pegamento. Por lo tanto las muestras se pueden utilizar con la menor cantidad de materiales extraños para el análisis.

Video: Technical Aspects of the Mouse Aortocaval Fistula

The goal is to produce an arteriovenous fistula that is simple and reproducible. This method does not use sutures or glue adhesive. Therefore the samples can be used with the least amount of foreign materials for...

intraluminal drug delivery to the mouse arteriovenous fistula endothelium

Intraluminal Drug Delivery to the Mouse Arteriovenous Fistula Endothelium

After puncturing the aorta through the inferior vena cava (IVC) to create an aorto-caval fistula in the mouse, solution containing a drug is infused into the IVC via the same needle, followed by incubation. This method enables more robust drug delivery to the venous endothelium compared to the external...

murine model of central venous stenosis using aortocaval fistula with an outflow stenosis

Murine Model of Central Venous Stenosis using Aortocaval Fistula with an Outflow Stenosis

An aortocaval fistula was created by puncturing the murine infra-renal aorta through both walls into the inferior vena cava and was followed by creation of a stenosis in its outflow via partial ligation of the inferior vena cava. This reproducible model can be used to study central venous...

microsurgical venous pouch arterial-bifurcation aneurysms in the rabbit model: technical aspects

Microsurgical Venous Pouch Arterial-Bifurcation Aneurysms in the Rabbit Model: Technical Aspects

An optimized technique for the microsurgical creation of arterial bifurcation aneurysms mimicking bifurcation human cerebral aneurysms is described. A venous pouch is sutured into an artificially created true bifurcation of both common carotid arteries. Facilitated microsurgical techniques and aggressive postoperative anticoagulation and analgesia lead to minimized morbidity rates and high aneurysm patency...

a murine model of arterial restenosis: technical aspects of femoral wire injury

A Murine Model of Arterial Restenosis: Technical Aspects of Femoral Wire Injury

The mouse femoral artery wire injury model of restenosis is technically challenging. In this protocol we show the key technical details essential for successfully performing wire injury to induce consistent&#160;neointima for studies of...

the rabbit blood-shunt model for the study of acute and late sequelae of subarachnoid hemorrhage: technical aspects

The Rabbit Blood-shunt Model for the Study of Acute and Late Sequelae of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Technical Aspects

The experimental intracranial pressure-controlled blood shunt subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) model in the rabbit combines the standard procedures &#8212; subclavian artery cannulation and transcutaneous cisterna magna puncture, which enables close mimicking of human pathophysiological conditions after SAH. We present step-by-step instructions and discuss key surgical points for successful experimental SAH...

a novel murine model of arteriovenous fistula failure: the surgical procedure in detail

A Novel Murine Model of Arteriovenous Fistula Failure: The Surgical Procedure in Detail

Here we present a murine model of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure in which a clinically relevant anastomotic configuration is incorporated. This model can be used to study the pathophysiology and to test possible therapeutic...

establishment of an oronasal fistula mice model

Author Spotlight: Investigating Wound Healing in Mice Models of Oronasal Fistulas 

This article outlines a step-by-step procedure for establishing a mice model with an oronasal fistula. The oronasal fistula was created by employing heated ophthalmologic cautery to damage the midline portion of the hard palate, resulting in the formation of an opening between the oral and nasal...

Establishment of an Oronasal Fistula Mice Model

development of a mouse model for studying oronasal fistula using opthalmologic cautery

Development of a Mouse Model for Studying Oronasal Fistula Using Opthalmologic Cautery  

application of design aspects in uniaxial loading machine development

Application of Design Aspects in Uniaxial Loading Machine Development

Here we present a protocol to develop a pure uniaxial loading machine. Critical design aspects are employed to ensure accurate and reproducible testing...

establishment and confirmation of a postnatal right ventricular volume overload mouse model

Author Spotlight: Establishment and Confirmation of a Postnatal Right Ventricular Volume Overload Mouse Model  

This protocol presents the establishment and confirmation of a postnatal right ventricular volume overload (VO) model in mice with abdominal arteriovenous fistula (AVF), which can be applied to investigate how VO contributes to postnatal heart...

Modified Arteriovenous Fistula Surgery to Establish the RV Volume Overload Mouse Model

a modified technique for arteriovenous fistula construction in rabbits

A Modified Technique for Arteriovenous Fistula Construction in Rabbits

The present protocol proposes the creation of an arteriovenous fistula in rabbits using a modified no-touch technique. The technique involves the side-to-side anastomosis of the common carotid artery and external jugular vein without the dissection of the perivenous tissues or cutting off the...

Development of an Effective Mice Model for Studying Oronasal Fistulas

https://cloudfront.jove.com/CDNSource/teasers/65578_b.jpg

technical detail for robot assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy

Technical Detail for Robot Assisted Pancreaticoduodenectomy

The following manuscript details a stepwise approach to the robot-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy performed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical...

creating radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula in the forearm with a modified no-touch technique

Creating Radio-cephalic Arteriovenous Fistula in the Forearm with a Modified No-Touch Technique

We present a modified no-touch technique (MNTT) to create a radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula (RC-AVF) in which the venous and arterial wall avoid devascularization and the radial artery does not...

technical refinement of a bilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion mouse model for acute kidney injury research

Technical Refinement of a Bilateral Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Mouse Model for Acute Kidney Injury Research

This study established a protocol focusing on the technical refinement of a mouse model of bilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion for acute kidney injury...

ultrasound assessment of endothelial function: a technical guideline of the flow-mediated dilation test

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial Function: A Technical Guideline of the Flow-mediated Dilation Test

The flow mediated dilation (FMD) test is the most commonly utilized, non-invasive, ultrasound assessment of endothelial function in humans. Although the FMD test has been related with the prediction of future cardiovascular disease and events, it is a physiological assessment with many inherent confounding factors that need to be considered.

artificial thermal ageing of polyester reinforced and polyvinyl chloride coated technical fabric

Artificial Thermal Ageing of Polyester Reinforced and Polyvinyl Chloride Coated Technical Fabric

Here, we simulate accelerated thermal ageing of technical fabric and see how this ageing process influences the mechanical properties of the...

transvenous embolization of carotid cavernous fistula through inferior petrosal sinus with detachable coils and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer

Transvenous Embolization of Carotid Cavernous Fistula through Inferior Petrosal Sinus with Detachable Coils and Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer

The purpose of the article is to present our experience in endovascular treatment via the inferior petrosal sinus of the carotid cavernous fistula with detachable coils and ethylene-vinyl alcohol...

technical demonstration of whole genome array comparative genomic hybridization

Technical Demonstration of Whole Genome Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization

This video is a technical demonstration of the hybridization protocol for whole genome tiling path array CGH, which scans the entire human genome using only 25-100 ng of DNA that can be isolated from a variety of sources, including archival formalin fixed...

For ruptured human cerebral aneurysms endovascular embolization has become an equivalent alternative to aneurysm clipping.1 However, large clinical trials have shown disappointing long-term results with unacceptable high rates of aneurysm recanalization and delayed aneurysm rupture.2 To overcome these problems, animal experimental studies are crucial for the development of better endovascular devices.3-5
Several animal models in rats, rabbits, canines and swine are available.6-8 Comparisons of the different animal models showed the superiority of the rabbit model with regard to hemodynamics and comparability of the coagulation system and cost-effectiveness.9-11 
The venous pouch arterial bifurcation model in rabbits is formed by a venous pouch sutured into an artificially created true bifurcation of both common carotid arteries (CCA). The main advantage of this model are true bifurcational hemodynamics.12 The major drawbacks are the sofar high microsurgical technical demands and high morbidity and mortality rates of up to 50%.13 These limitations have resulted in less frequent use of this aneurysm model in the recent years. These shortcomings could be overcome with improved surgical procedures and modified peri- and postoperative analgetic management and anticoagulation.14-16 Our techniques reported in this paper demonstrate this optimized technique for microsurgical creation of arterial bifurcation aneurysms.

An optimized technique for the microsurgical creation of arterial bifurcation aneurysms mimicking bifurcation human cerebral aneurysms is described. A venous pouch is sutured into an artificially created true bifurcation of both common carotid arteries. Facilitated microsurgical techniques and aggressive postoperative anticoagulation and analgesia lead to minimized morbidity rates and high aneurysm patency rates.

For ruptured human cerebral aneurysms endovascular embolization has become an equivalent alternative to aneurysm clipping.1 However, large clinical trials ...

Early brain injury and delayed cerebral vasospasm both contribute to unfavorable outcomes after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Reproducible and controllable animal models that simulate both conditions are presently uncommon. Therefore, new models are needed in order to mimic human pathophysiological conditions resulting from SAH.
This report describes the technical nuances of a rabbit blood-shunt SAH model that enables control of intracerebral pressure (ICP). An extracorporeal shunt is placed between the arterial system and the subarachnoid space, which enables examiner-independent SAH in a closed cranium. Step-by-step procedural instructions and necessary equipment are described, as well as technical considerations to produce the model with minimal mortality and morbidity. Important details required for successful surgical creation of this robust, simple and consistent ICP-controlled SAH rabbit model are described.

The experimental intracranial pressure-controlled blood shunt subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) model in the rabbit combines the standard procedures &#8212; subclavian artery cannulation and transcutaneous cisterna magna puncture, which enables close mimicking of human pathophysiological conditions after SAH. We present step-by-step instructions and discuss key surgical points for successful experimental SAH creation.

Early brain injury and delayed cerebral vasospasm both contribute to unfavorable outcomes after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Reproducible and ...

Cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death in the developed world. Narrowing of the vessel lumen, due to atherosclerotic plaque development or the rupturing of established plaques, interrupts normal blood flow leading to various morbidities such as myocardial infarction and stroke. In the clinic endovascular procedures such as angioplasty are commonly performed to reopen the lumen. However, these treatments inevitably damage the vessel wall as well as the vascular endothelium, triggering an excessive healing response and the development of a neointimal plaque that extends into the lumen causing vessel restenosis (re-narrowing). Restenosis remains a major cause of failure of endovascular treatments for atherosclerosis. Thus, preclinical animal models of restenosis are vitally important for investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms as well as translational approaches to vascular interventions. Among several murine experimental models, femoral artery wire injury is widely accepted as the most suitable for studies of post-angioplasty restenosis because it closely resembles the angioplasty procedure that injures both endothelium and vessel wall. However, many researchers have difficulty utilizing this model due to its high degree of technical difficulty. This is primarily because a metal wire needs to be inserted into the femoral artery, which is approximately three times thinner than the wire, to generate sufficient injury to induce prominent neointima. Here, we describe the essential surgical details to effectively overcome the major technical difficulties of this model. By following the presented procedures, performing the mouse femoral artery wire injury becomes easier. Once familiarized, the whole procedure can be completed within 20 min.

The mouse femoral artery wire injury model of restenosis is technically challenging. In this protocol we show the key technical details essential for successfully performing wire injury to induce consistent&#160;neointima for studies of restenosis.

Cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death in the developed world. Narrowing of the vessel lumen, due to ...

The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) still suffers from a high number of failures caused by insufficient remodeling and intimal hyperplasia from which the exact pathophysiology remains unknown. In order to unravel the pathophysiology a murine model of AVF-failure was developed in which the configuration of the anastomosis resembles the preferred situation in the clinical setting. A model was described in which an AVF is created by connecting the venous end of the branch of the external jugular vein to the side of the common carotid artery using interrupted sutures. At a histological level, we observed progressive stenotic intimal lesions in the venous outflow tract that is also seen in failed human AVFs. Although this procedure can be technically challenging due to the small dimensions of the animal, we were able to achieve a surgical success rate of 97% after sufficient training. The key advantage of a murine model is the availability of transgenic animals. In view of the different proposed mechanisms that are responsible for AVF failure, disabling genes that might play a role in vascular remodeling can help us to unravel the complex pathophysiology of AVF failure.

Here we present a murine model of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure in which a clinically relevant anastomotic configuration is incorporated. This model can be used to study the pathophysiology and to test possible therapeutic interventions.

The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) still suffers from a high number of failures caused by insufficient remodeling and intimal hyperplasia from which the ...

Delivery of therapeutic agents to enhance arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation can be administered either via intraluminal or external routes. The simple murine AVF model was combined with intraluminal administration of drug solution to the venous endothelium at the same time as fistula creation. Technical aspects of this model are discussed. Under general anesthesia, an abdominal incision is made and the aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC) are exposed. The infra-renal aorta and IVC are dissected for clamping. After proximal and distal clamping, the puncture site is exposed and a 25 G needle is used to puncture both walls of the aorta and into the IVC. Immediately after the puncture, a reporter gene-expressing viral vector was infused in the IVC via the same needle, followed by 15 min of incubation. The intraluminal administration method enabled more robust viral gene delivery to the venous endothelium compared to administration by the external route. This novel method of delivery will facilitate studies that explore the role of the endothelium in AVF maturation and enable intraluminal drug delivery at the time of surgical operation.

After puncturing the aorta through the inferior vena cava (IVC) to create an aorto-caval fistula in the mouse, solution containing a drug is infused into the IVC via the same needle, followed by incubation. This method enables more robust drug delivery to the venous endothelium compared to the external route.

Delivery of therapeutic agents to enhance arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation can be administered either via intraluminal or external routes. The ...

Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of mortality and a major cause of disability worldwide. The dysfunction of the vascular endothelium is a pathological condition characterized mainly by a disruption in the balance between vasodilator and vasoconstrictor substances and is proposed to play an important role in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Therefore, a precise evaluation of endothelial function in humans represents an important tool that could help better understand the etiology of multiple cardio-centric pathologies.
Over the past twenty-five years, many methodological approaches have been developed to provide an assessment of endothelial function in humans. Introduced in 1989, the FMD test incorporates a forearm occlusion and subsequent reactive hyperemia that promotes nitric oxide production and vasodilation of the brachial artery. The FMD test is now the most widely utilized, non-invasive, ultrasonic assessment of endothelial function in humans and has been associated with future cardiovascular events.
Although the FMD test could have clinical utility, it is a physiological assessment that has inherited several confounding factors that need to be considered. This article describes a standardized protocol for determining FMD including the recommended methodology to help minimize the physiological and technical issues and improve the precision and reproducibility of the assessment.

The flow mediated dilation (FMD) test is the most commonly utilized, non-invasive, ultrasound assessment of endothelial function in humans. Although the FMD test has been related with the prediction of future cardiovascular disease and events, it is a physiological assessment with many inherent confounding factors that need to be considered.

Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of mortality and a major cause of disability worldwide. The dysfunction of the vascular endothelium is a ...

Central venous stenosis is an important entity contributing to arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure. A murine AVF model was modified to create a partial ligation of the inferior vena cava (IVC) in the outflow of the fistula, mimicking central venous stenosis. Technical aspects of this model are introduced. The aorta and IVC are exposed, following an abdominal incision. The infra-renal aorta and IVC are dissected for proximal clamping, and the distal aorta is exposed for puncture. The IVC at the midpoint between the left renal vein and the aortic bifurcation is carefully dissected to place an 8-0 suture beneath the IVC. After clamping the aorta and IVC, an AVF is created by puncturing the infra-renal aorta through both walls into the IVC with a 25 G needle, followed by ligating a 22 G intra-venous (IV) catheter and IVC together. The catheter is then removed, creating a reproducible venous stenosis without occlusion. The aorta and IVC are unclamped after confirming primary hemostasis. This novel model of central vein stenosis is easy to perform, reproducible, and will facilitate studies on AVF failure.

An aortocaval fistula was created by puncturing the murine infra-renal aorta through both walls into the inferior vena cava and was followed by creation of a stenosis in its outflow via partial ligation of the inferior vena cava. This reproducible model can be used to study central venous stenosis.

Central venous stenosis is an important entity contributing to arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure. A murine AVF model was modified to create a partial ...

Since its first report in 2003, robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) has gained popularity among pancreatic surgeons. Inherent advantages of the robotic platform, including three-dimensional vision, wristed instruments, and improved ergonomics, allow the surgeon to recapitulate the principles of open pancreatoduodenectomy allowing safe oncologic dissection, hemostasis, and meticulous reconstruction. Over the course of the past decade, significant strides have been achieved in outlining the safety, feasibility, and learning curve of the robotic Whipple. When performed by high volume pancreatic surgeons experienced in RPD, recent comparative effectiveness studies show potential advantages compared to the open technique, including reductions in hospital stay and morbidity. National data also show reductions in conversion rates compared to its laparoscopic counterpart. Although long-term oncologic data are still needed, short-term oncologic surrogates of margin resection and lymph node harvest suggest no compromise in oncologic outcomes. As pancreatic surgeons increasingly integrate robotics into their practice, proficiency-based training and credentialing will be necessary for the safe application and dissemination of RPD. Here, we provide the detailed steps of a robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy performed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.&#160;

The following manuscript details a stepwise approach to the robot-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy performed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Since its first report in 2003, robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) has gained popularity among pancreatic surgeons. Inherent advantages of the robotic ...

Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) accounts for 5%&ndash;10% of all urothelial tumors. Radical nephroureterectomy is the standard treatment procedure. At present, different choices still exist for treating the ureteral end during laparoscopic ureteral bladder sleeve resection. Our center has adopted a new method for treating the ureteral end. This new method can increase the operating space and reduce the difficulty of the surgery compared with current methods.

Here, we present a protocol to increase the surgical field of view and reduce the difficulty of total transperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy surgery by precutting the umbilical ligament before treating the terminal ureter.

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) accounts for 5%&ndash;10% of all urothelial tumors. Radical nephroureterectomy is the standard treatment ...

Autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the primary and best option to obtain vascular access for hemodialysis treatment; other options are arteriovenous graft (AVG) and central venous catheterization (CVC). The implementation of radio-cephalic autologous arteriovenous fistula (RC-AVF) in the forearm was preferred among patients with superior vascular conditions. However, there is a high rate of early fistula failure. The chosen surgical method is understood to have an effect on the maturation of the fistula. New surgical procedures such as radial artery deviation and reimplantation (RADAR) have been significantly improved for juxta-anastomotic stenosis. Nevertheless, new problems such as stenosis of arteries and narrowing of surgical indication were also found. In this report, we presented a modified no-touch technique (MNTT) to create an RC-AVF, in which the venous and arterial wall avoid devascularization and the radial artery does not sever.

We present a modified no-touch technique (MNTT) to create a radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula (RC-AVF) in which the venous and arterial wall avoid devascularization and the radial artery does not sever.