Angioplasty-induced vasospasm in rabbit model. Mechanisms and treatment.

Angioplasty of the distal iliac and proximal femoral arteries in rabbits resulted in focal and diffuse vasospasm similar to that seen in humans. The focal vasospasm occurred in all experiments immediately distal to the site of angioplasty. Occasional diffuse vasospasm was preceded by intravascular thrombosis or extravasation. Heparin reduced the incidence of diffuse vasospasm and reduced the severity of focal vasospasm. Verapamil and Dazoxiben reversed focal vasospasm, but only Verapamil in the presence of heparin prevented vasospasm. Prazocin had no effect on vasospasm.