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. 2014 Oct 2:(92):e52132.
doi: 10.3791/52132.

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

Lukas Andereggen  1 , Volker Neuschmelting  2 , Michael von Gunten  3 , Hans Rudolf Widmer  4 , Jukka Takala  5 , Stephan M Jakob  5 , Javier Fandino  6 , Serge Marbacher  7
Affiliations

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

Lukas Andereggen et al. J Vis Exp. .

Abstract

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.

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