Microvascular Imaging Of Abdominal And Pelvic Organs In Rabbit Using Micro-CT

Objective: Intravascular perfusion of abdominal and pelvic vessels in rabbits was carried out by using latex-bismuth oxide mixed contrast agent.The three-dimensional model of abdominal pelvic vascular network was reconstructed by micro-computerized tomography(Micro-CT)and later software treatment.Methods: 1.6 healthy female rabbits were selected to be anesthetized by abdominal cavity,and the exploratory laparotomy was performed after the anesthesia was successful.The abdominal wall was exposed after incision of the abdominal wall,and the posterior peritoneum was opened to complete the abdominal aorta intubation(Contrast agent perfusion in the bladder,uterus and small intestine)and renal artery intubation(Contrast agent perfusion for kidney).2.Latex-bismuth oxide mixed solution(latex : bismuth oxide : potassium hydroxide = 1 : 1 : 1)was used as a contrast agent for blood vessel perfusion.After the contrast agent was perfused,the bladder,uterus,small intestine and kidney of the rabbit were selected as the target organ.3.The target organs were scanned with Micro-CT(Bruker Corporation,Billerica,UA),and then the original images were processed and transformed.The three dimensional model of vascular image was established by Mimics 17,so as to obtain the three-dimensional reconstruction image of the vascular tree of different organs of the rabbit.The parameters of blood vessels were obtained by the function of the software,and the characteristics of different branches of different vascular trees were analyzed.Results: A three-dimensional reconstruction model of vascular digitalization in various organs of rabbits was successfully constructed.1.The blood vessel network of bladders is divided into two generations,the diameter of the primary vessel was(0.74±0.05)mm,and the diameter of second grade vessel was(0.41±0.08)mm.2.The blood vessel network of uteruses is divided into three generations,the diameter of the primary vessel was(0.80±0.04)mm,the diameter of second grade vessel was(0.59±0.05)mm,and the diameter of third grade vessel was(0.39±0.08)mm.3.The blood vessel network of small intestines is divided into four generations,the diameter of the primary vessel was(1.48±0.11)mm,the diameter of second grade vessel was(0.88±0.04)mm,the diameter of third grade vessel was(0.54±0.08)mm,and the diameter of fourth grade vessel was(0.27±0.04)mm.4.The blood vessel network of kidneys is divided into four generations,the diameter of the primary vessel was(1.67±0.16)mm,the diameter of second grade vessel was(0.82±0.05)mm,the diameter of third grade vessel was(0.34±0.02)mm,and the diameter of fourth grade vessel was(0.19±0.03)mm.Conclusion: Latex-bismuth oxide contrast agent perfusion combined with Micro-CT imaging technique for abdominal pelvic vascular network scanning in rabbits,has successfully reconstructed three dimensional image of rabbit abdominal and pelvic vascular tree,and clearly displayed the branches and running of vascular tree,and measured related physical parameters such as vessel diameter.This technology can be applied to the establishment of the digital three-dimensional model of small animal vascular network.It provides a new method and new idea for the research of vascular anatomy in the physiological and pathological models of the abdominal and pelvic organs of small animals.