A novel model of rat autogenous vein graft

AIM：To establish a stable and simple rat autogenous vein graft model with minor endothelial injury. METHODS: A novel rat model of external jugular vein graft was in 36 male rats. Vascular ultrasound was used to observe the external jugular vein before and after transplantation, postoperative patency rate of blood vessels and vascular changes. RESULTS: An improved rat autologous jugular vein graft model was successfully established with a shorter surgical time, lower risks of thromboembolism, higher lumen patency rate and lower anastomotic leakage rate. Surgical success rate was 90%. Ultrasonography clearly showed the vein graft, the size of the lumen diameter and the anastomotic continuation. CONCLUSION: A stable and simple model of rat jugular vein graft with minor endothelial injury is established by the modified cuff technique. Ultrasonography can be conveniently used at the early stage to test the patency of the surgical model.