MCAO is induced by insertion of a filament (shown in black in the diagram) through the external carotid artery and then advanced up to the point of origin of the MCA, preventing blood flow to the MCA. For transient ischaemia, the filament is withdrawn after a defined period of time (90 mins – 2 hours).
Experimental stroke research
MR Angiography
Intraluminal Filament
MCAO
SHAM
MR angiography of the rat vasculature from a Sham operated rat and from a rat in which the Middle Cerabral Artery was Occluded (MCAO)
MCAO