The objective of this investigation was to develop a reproducible and reliable method of
arterial thrombosis in a small laboratory animal. Rats were anesthetized with urethane, and
a common carotid artery was exposed. A completely occlusive thrombus was produced by
applying an electric current to the arterial wall (2 mA for 5 min) while simultaneously
constricting the artery with a hemostatic clamp placed immediately downstream from the
electrodes. A complete and persistent cessation of blood flow was obtained in all the control …