The animals were examined for neurologic deficit and graded with modified Tarlov scale. The three groups had neurologic deficit of varied onset with 2 to 4 score on Tarlov scale. There was a significant difference in the pattern of paraplegia between snare and balloon occlusion for 20 minutes. There was no aortic or spinal artery thrombosis seen at autopsy. Based on the neurological outcome in this model, we conclude that the method of aortic occlusion significantly influences spinal cord perfusion.
Endoluminal balloon causes a higher incidence of early paraplegia.
Reduction in the balloon occlusion time appears to change only the pattern of onset and not the total incidence of paraplegia.