Fig. 1

Large animal AAA model. (A) Experimental timeline. (B) Representative image of the left flank surgical field exposing the infrarenal aorta after aortic reopening. Vessel loops are placed caudal to the renal arteries and cranial to the trifurcation (1.), as well as around the lumbar artery (2.). (C) After exposure, the aorta is punctured between the renal arteries and the trifurcation, followed by guidewire-supported insertion of a Cook introducer sheath. (D) Balloon catheter insertion followed by balloon inflation at 6 bar for 5 min. (E) After catheter removal followed by aortic cross-clamping and occlusion of the lumbar arteries, elastase/collagenase is infused into the dilated aortic segment. (F) Upon aortic reopening, restored blood flow reveals a visible dilation of the abdominal aorta.