Background Animal models of myocardial infarction(MI) have been widely used to study the pathological and physiological changes that occur in MI, and to objectively evaluate the efficacy of new treatments.They are an important tool in this procedure. However, the mortality rate of MI animal models has so far been higher than in real-life situations. The aim of this study was to explore the use of a modified retrograde traction tracheal intubation(MRTI) method for increasing the success rate of MI models in rats. Methods Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the experiment. Using the MRTI method of artificial airway generation, we established the MI model by ligation of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. We analyzed the effects of MRTI, the use of lidocaine, operative details, nursing considerations during the operation, and post-operative factors on the success rate of the MI model in rats. Results The success rate of generating an MI model in rats can be significantly increased using the following methods : 1) Setting up the artificial airway through the use of MRTI by using a single-lumen central venous catheter; 2) Selecting a ligation site 2 mm below the midpoint of the connection between the left atrial appendage and the pulmonary cone; 3) Adding a drop of lidocaine to the surface of the heart to slow down the heart rate, make the operation easier to perform,and prevent arrhythmias postoperatively; 4) Clearing up airway secretions timely both intra and postoperatively; 5) Making sure that rats are in a warm state both intra and postoperatively; 6) Preventing wound infection.Conclusions Use of the MRTI method can quickly establish an artificial airway in rats. Intraoperative use of lidocaine, selecting a precise vascular ligation site, and appropriate care both intra and postoperatively can increase the success rate of MI model generation. Background Animal models of myocardial infarction (MI) have been widely used to study the pathological and physiological changes that occur in MI, and to objectively evaluate the efficacy of new treatments.They are an important tool in this procedure. However, the mortality rate of MI aim models this so far been higher than in real-life situations. The aim of this study was to explore the use of a modified retrograde traction tracheal intubation (MRTI) method for increasing the success rate of MI models in rats. Methods Sixty male Using the MRTI method of artificial airway generation, we established the MI model by ligation of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. We analyzed the effects of MRTI, the use of lidocaine, operative details, nursing considerations during the operation, and post-operative factors on the success rate of the MI model in rats. Results The success rate of generating an MI model in rats can be significantly increased using the following methods: 1) Setting up the artificial airway through the use of MRTI by using a single-lumen central venous catheter; 2) Selecting a ligation site 2 mm below the midpoint of the connection between the left atrial appendage and the 3) Adding a drop of lidocaine to the surface of the heart to slow down the heart rate, make the operation easier to perform, and prevent arrhythmias postoperatively; 4) Clearing up airway secretions both both intra and postoperatively; 5) Making sure that rats are in a warm state both intra and postoperatively; 6) Preventing wound infection. Conditions in use of the MRTI method can quickly establish an artificial airway in rats. Intraoperative use of lidocaine, selecting a precise vascular ligation site, and appropriate care both intra and postoperatively can increase the success rate of MI model generation.