Development and Validation of an Acute Large Animal Model for Type A Aortic Dissection

All articles of this category (opens in new window) Background: Animal models are essential for translating diagnostic and therapeutic strategies into clinical practice and offer valuable insights into the pathophysiology of diseases such as aortic dissection. This study presents a novel acute in vivo large animal model of Stanford type A aortic dissection, combining open surgical access with endovascular techniques to leverage the advantages of both. The model aims to reproducibly simulate acute dissections in swine, providing a standardized platform for evaluating diagnostics, disease mechanisms, and treatment strategies. Methods: Six pigs underwent a standardized protocol to induce aortic dissection. Arterial pressure was monitored via femoral and carotid catheterization. A conventional sternotomy was performed, followed by tangential cross-clamping of the ascending aorta and a controlled incision proximal to the brachiocephalic trunk. The intima and the media were separated using a guidewire and catheter-based technique to create a false lumen. A re-entry tear was also established to allow for controlled intraluminal access. Animals were monitored for 12 hours postintervention, with serial blood sampling. At the end of the experiment, the animals were euthanized and the aortas harvested for macroscopic and histological analysis. Results: In all six animals, the placement of arterial catheters in femoral and carotid arteries, as well as the sternotomy, was established without any complications. The dissection model was successfully created in five out of six animals by clinical signs such as adventitial hematoma, macroscopic wall separation, and/or decreased femoral blood pressure. One animal experienced complete aortic perforation. Five animals completed the full observation period of 12 hours. Conclusion: A standardized, reproducible, and robust large animal model of acute Stanford type A aortic dissection using a hybrid approach was developed. This model closely simulates the clinical and pathological features of human aortic dissection, making it a valuable tool for preclinical research in diagnostics, pathophysiology, and treatment development. Publication History Article published online: 17 February 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany