Abstract： Objective:To investigate the feasibility of modeling acute segmental renal ischemia via vascular interventional in rabbits, and to propose a reliable experimental method for studies on alterations in renal pathophysiology and functions caused by local acute ischemia.Methods:Ten healthy New Zealand white rabbits were divided into control group ( n=2) and embolization group ( n=6) according to random number table. In the embolization group, the right common carotid artery was catheterized, and then super-selective embolization of secondary renal artery branches at the left renal lower pole was performed. The control group received right common carotid artery catheterization alone. The success rate of carotid artery catheterization in both groups and of super-selective renal artery embolization in the embolization group were recorded. The embolization group was further divided into subgroups based on duration of observation: the 12 h ( n=2) , 24 h ( n=2) , and 72 h ( n=2) post-embolization groups. The experimental rabbits were inspected for the general condition, and sacrificed at designated time points for renal pathological study. In addition, an alternate group of rabbits ( n=2) was set and randomly selected for supplementation after sacrifice of the experimental rabbits in the four groups. Results:All rabbits experienced successful catheterization of the right common carotid artery (9/9) . Super-selective renal artery embolization failed in one experimental rabbit of the embolization group due to low body weight, slender branching of target renal artery, and blood flow occlusion after placement of microcatheter. One experimental rabbit was randomly selected from the alternate group for supplementation. Finally, super-selective renal artery embolization was successfully performed in six rabbits, generating six rabbit models of acute segmental renal ischemia with the successful modeling rate being 85.7% (6/7) . All of the experimental rabbits presented normal general conditions without evidenced complications, and survived to the end of the experiment. Pathological examination showed acute renal ischemia in embolized renal tissue with a progressive profile which largely presented tubular swelling and degeneration during early hours, and thereafter, gradually followed by diffuse or focal cell disruption and shedding, and finally ending up with complete renal infarction on day 3.Conclusion:Modeling acute segmental renal ischemia in rabbits via vascular intervention is feasible with good reproducibility, few complications and high success rate, and may well simulate the pathophysiology of acute renal ischemia in human.