The team at MIF has developed a broad portfolio of surgical models (e.g. hypertension, myocardial infarction, cardiac ischemia–reperfusion, hypertrophy) and specialized microsurgical techniques, including intracardiac and intramyocardial injections, vascular catheterization, blood sampling, organ harvesting, and surgical implantation of ALZET devices.
These approaches are designed to support a wide range of research objectives and experimental scopes and are presented below. This portfolio is not exhaustive, as the MIF team routinely develops, adapts and optimizes surgical methods on demand to meet specific research needs.
Highly specialized equipment, experienced personnel and a dedicated on‑site animal facility ensure that all procedures are conducted in full compliance with the highest scientific, technical and ethical standards.
Pathophysiological Models
These techniques can be performed in rats and mice.
A left lateral abdominal incision is used to expose the kidney. A clip is placed around the left renal artery (Goldblatt I and II) in order to reduce the renal blood flow. For the Goldblatt II method, a right-nephrectomy is also performed.
A left lateral thoracotomy is performed on an anesthetized and ventilated animal to expose the heart. A ligature near the insertion of the left auricular appendage is placed and tied around the left descending coronary artery. Occlusion of the artery is verified by the rapid blanching of the left ventricle. The ends of the occluding ligature are trimmed and the chest and skin incision are closed.
MIF also offers the myocardial infarction model in newborn mice. Similarly to adult mice, a left lateral thoracotomy is performed on an anesthetized mouse to expose the heart. A ligature near the insertion of the left auricular appendage is placed and tied around the left descending coronary artery. The ends of the occluding ligature are trimmed and the chest and skin incision are closed.
For ischemia/reperfusion studies, the procedure is identical to the MI procedure, however the ligature is left in place for a predetermined amount of time (normally 30 to 60 minutes) and then removed prior to chest closure.
A small horizontal incision is made at the level of the cranial sternum allowing visualization of the aortic arch. A suture is placed around the aorta between the origin of the right innominate and left common carotid artery. Transaortic constriction (TAC) is created using a suture tied twice around the aorta and a predetermined-gauge needle size. The needle is then gently retracted and the incision closed.
Surgical Techniques
At the MIF, we have extensive expertise in a wide range of microsurgical techniques in rodent models, including:
- Intracardiac Injections
- Intramyocardial Injections
- Vascular Catheter (venous, arterial)
- Blood Sampling
- Organ Harvest
- Surgical Implantation of ALZET® Osmotic Pumps for continuous drugs delivery
This list is not exhaustive. In addition to technical support, the Microsurgery and Preclinical Investigation Facility (MIF) also provides scientific guidance for the design of experimental protocols and actively supports the development and optimization of novel investigative techniques for all research fields using animal models.
Custom Model Development & Optimization
The MIF provides expertise in the development, refinement, and optimization of animal research procedures to improve scientific outcomes while promoting animal welfare.
Examples include the optimization of long-term anesthesia protocols, the implementation of image-guided or stereotactic injection techniques, and the development of innovative devices and methodologies, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation systems.
Tailored support can also be provided for the establishment and validation of new experimental procedures according to specific research needs.
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