This article details the surgical ligation of the femoral artery in a rabbit model, highlighting the anatomical considerations and procedural steps involved. The procedure aims to induce peripheral ischemia for further experimental analysis.
In vertebrates, the femoral artery is the major vessel supplying blood to the lower limbs. This artery is an extension of the external iliac artery and branches into six smaller arteries, including the superior epigastric and popliteal arteries.
For surgical ligation of the femoral artery, prepare an anesthetized rabbit in the supine position. Make a lateral incision in the thigh region and retract the skin to expose the underlying neurovascular cluster that contains the femoral artery surrounded by the femoral vein and the femoral nerve enclosed inside the femoral sheath. This cluster lies inside the femoral triangle - a wedge-shaped anatomical area - bound by the inguinal ligament inferiorly, the sartorius muscle laterally, and the abductor muscle medially.
Now, dissect the muscles and connective tissue to release the femoral artery. Ligate the artery at a site distal to the superior epigastric artery and proximal to the popliteal artery and carefully excise it. Then, suture the incision and allow the animal to stabilize.
Eventually, the ligation restricts the blood supply to the leg, inducing, a state of starvation due to the obstructed nutrient and oxygen supply, called peripheral ischemia. Thereafter, the animal model can be used for further experiments.
To isolate the femoral artery, use a #15 scalpel blade to make a longitudinal skin incision over the right femoral artery, making sure that the incision extends inferiorly from the inguinal ligament, and ends at the area just proximal to the patella. Use blunt dissection to expose the femoral artery and open the incision with Weitlaner retractors. Apply approximately 0.5 milliliters of 1% lidocaine locally, to reduce nerve irritation and promote vasodilation.
Continue the blunt dissection of the tissues to free the entire length of the femoral artery along with all of its branches, including the inferior epigastric, deep femoral, lateral circumflex, and superficial epigastric arteries. Dissect along the popliteal and saphenous arteries, as well as the external iliac artery, periodically hydrating the area with saline, to protect against tissue damage.
Carefully separate the femoral artery from the femoral vein and nerve, and place two 4-0 silk sutures on the femoral artery with just enough space between the sutures to allow the artery to be severed. Then, use small Metzenbaum scissors to cut between the two ties of the ligated artery. Excise the femoral artery from where the artery bifurcates to form the saphenous and popliteal arteries, working approximately, tying off any side branches, to excise the rest of the femoral artery to just below the epigastric artery.
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