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Introduction of a Rabbit Carotid Artery Model for Sonothrombolysis Research

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Abstract

The goal of this study was to develop an in vivo sonothrombolysis model for stroke research. The rabbit carotid artery has average vessel diameters similar to human M1/M2 segments and allows generation of a thrombotic occlusion using various kinds of thrombus material as well as thrombus placement under visual control. It further allows real-time monitoring of flow and clot mechanics during the sonothrombolysis procedure using high-frequency diagnostic ultrasound. In the present study, the model will be introduced and first results to show feasibility using diagnostic as well as high-intensity focused ultrasound will be presented.

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Acknowledgments

This work has been supported by the National Institute of Health (R01HL091043-01A2) and InSightec, Inc., Tirat Carmel, Israel. We would like to thank very much Cheryl Schendel and Daniel Lotz who contributed significantly to the development of the model.

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Correspondence to Thilo Hölscher.

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Hölscher, T., Fisher, D.J., Ahadi, G. et al. Introduction of a Rabbit Carotid Artery Model for Sonothrombolysis Research. Transl. Stroke Res. 3, 397–407 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12975-012-0194-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12975-012-0194-5

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