MiR-126 regulates the effect of mesenchymal stem cell vascular repair on carotid atherosclerosis through MAPK/ERK signaling pathway

Figure 1 Rat carotid artery balloon injury surgery simulation. A: Preoperative preparation phase: At this stage, the rat has been adequately anesthetized and secured supine on the operating table. Preoperative hair shaving and cleaning have been completed; B: Tissue dissection: In this step, surgical scissors and hemostatic forceps are used to incise the neck skin and dissect the glandular tissue to expose the underlying vascular structures; C: Further tissue dissection and vascular exposure: The image labels the internal carotid artery, external carotid artery, and common carotid artery, which are key areas of surgery. This step involves a combination of blunt and sharp dissection techniques to fully expose the carotid artery system; D: Balloon injury phase: In this step, a catheter is inserted through the common carotid artery and, after accurate positioning, the balloon dilation procedure is performed to induce endothelial injury. ICA: Internal carotid artery; ECA: External carotid artery; CCA: Common carotid artery.