Objective To compare the timeliness, success and mortality rates between the modified carotid artery puncture method (MCAPM) and standard suture method (SSM) in the establishment of rat model of a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Methods Thirty-two male rats were randomly and equally assigned into MCAPM group and SSM group. The MCAO models were established by inserting a thread into the common carotid artery (CCA). 24 h after modeling, the rats of the two groups were evaluated with Bederson neurological scores, and the modeling success rate and mortality rate were analyzed.Results The suture insertion times, success rates and mortality rates of the MCAPM vs. SSM groups were (82.3±17.4)s versus (164.6±22.0)s (P<0.01), 87.5% versus 68.75% (P>0.05), and 6.25% versus 18.75% (P>0.05). Conclusions MCAPM can be used to establish the rat model of MCAO due to its simplicity, mild wound and feasibility.