Anatomical Variations of the Common Carotid Arteries and Neck Structures of the New Zealand White Rabbit and Their Implications for the Development of Preclinical Extracranial Aneurysm Models

Background: Rabbit models involving neck arteries are of growing importance for the development of preclinical aneurysm models. An optimal understanding of the anatomy is primordial to allow the conception of models while minimizing mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study is to give reliable anatomical landmarks to allow a standardized approach to the neck vessels. Methods: We performed a necropsy on nine specimens from ongoing experimental studies. We measured the distance between the origins of the right and left common carotid artery (rCCA/lCCA) and between the rCCA and the manubrium sterni (MS). The structures at risk were described. Results: Female New Zealand White rabbits (NZWR) weighing 3.7 +/- 0.3 kg and aged 25 +/- 5 weeks were included. The rCCA origin was located 9.6 +/- 1.2 mm laterally and 10.1 +/- 3.3 mm caudally to the MS. In all specimens, the lCCA originated from the aortic arch, together with the brachiocephalic trunk (BCT), and 6.2 +/- 3.1 mm proximally to the rCCA origin. The external and internal jugular veins, trachea and laryngeal nerve were the main structures at risk. Conclusions: The data help to localize both CCAs and their origin to guide surgical approaches with the manubrium sterni as a main landmark. Special attention has to be paid to the trachea, jugular veins and laryngeal nerves.