Endoscopic mechanical spinal hemiepiphysiodesis modifies spine growth.

Study Design: An in vivo porcine model of progressive scoliosis as an inverse analog of a proposed method of early surgical treatment.

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that scoliotic curvatures may be repeatedly created using anatomically based vertebral staples and thoracoscopic surgical procedures.

Summary Of Background Data: Staple hemiepiphysiodesis is an established method for treating knee deformities.

Long-term effects of polymer-based, slow-release, sirolimus-eluting stents in a porcine coronary model.

Background: Stent-based delivery of sirolimus (SRL) has shown reduction in neointimal hyperplasia and restenosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chronic vascular response and the expression of cell cycle regulators after SRL-eluting stent implantation in a porcine coronary model.

Methods: Forty-nine pigs underwent placement of 109 oversized stents (control, n=54, SRL (140 microg/cm(2)), n=55) in the coronary arteries with histologic analysis and Western blot (PCNA, p27(kip1), CD45, MCP-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-beta) at 3, 30, 90 or 180 days.

Endometriosis model development swine.

Despite the prevalence of endometriosis in the human population, there is a shortage of animal models for studying it. The authors describe the development of a swine model of endometriosis that allows researchers to evaluate laparoscopic techniques and instruments for diagnosing and treating the condition.

Laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy and hysterectomy on African lions (Panthera leo) using the ultracision harmonic scalpel.

Two laparoscopic ovariohysterectomies and three laparoscopic hysterectomies were performed on normal, healthy, adult African lions (Panthera leo) in dorsal recumbency, with the body tilted at 25 degrees with the head down. One 12-mm trocar and two 5-mm trocars were used to access the uterus and ovaries, and the UltraCision (Harmonic Scalpels clamp or coagulation shears was used to coagulate and divide the ovarian- and the uterine-supporting structures and the uterine body. The animals recovered uneventfully from anesthesia and were released to their exhibits within 5-10 days of surgery.

Endoscopic pelvic osteotomy for the treatment of hip dysplasia.

Adolescent and adult hip dysplasia can be surgically treated by rotating the acetabulum into a better weight-supporting position; however, open pelvic osteotomies are among the most invasive of all pediatric orthopaedic procedures. Endoscopic pelvic osteotomy offers the theoretical advantages of magnified visualization of the bone cuts, minimized surgical dissection, and rapid postoperative recovery. The technique of endoscopically assisted triple innominate osteotomy requires the combination of endoscopic skills and facility with more standard surgical approaches.

Quantitative changes in spinal canal dimensions using interbody distraction for spondylolisthesis.

Study Design: An experimental study was performed using cadaveric lumbar spines to evaluate the effect of anteriorly or laterally placed interbody distraction implants on the alteration of spinal canal and neuroforaminal dimensions.

Objectives: To quantify changes in the spinal canal and neuroforaminal dimensions using interbody fusion devices inserted at various configurations in cadaveric lumbar spines exhibiting degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Summary Of Background Data: Although several clinical studies have demonstrated successful treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis with anterior interbody fusion, no study has shown the role of interbody distraction in improving lumbar spinal canal and foraminal stenosis.

Video-assisted thoracic diskectomy and anterior release: a biomechanical analysis of an endoscopic technique.

This study evaluates the residual biomechanical stability of the spine following multilevel anterior diskectomies and anterior longitudinal ligament release using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Eighteen domestic pigs were randomly divided into three groups of six pigs. Group 1 underwent thoracic anterior release from T4-T9 using a left-sided VATS approach, group 2 underwent thoracic anterior release from T4-T9 via a traditional left thoracotomy (open), and group 3 did not undergo surgery and served as a control.

Comparison of wounds created by non-bladed trocars and pyramidal tip trocars in the pig.

Wounds made by the Endopath nonbladed obturator, the Step trocar, and conventional pyramidal tip trocars were compared. The endopath nonbladed obturator and the Step trocar made wounds by separating tissue fibers, whereas the pyramidal tip trocar cut tissue fibers. The wounds of the Endopath nonbladed obturator and the Step trocar were similar in length but were narrower than wounds made by the pyramidal tip trocar.

Bradycardia induced by intravascular versus direct stimulation of the vagus nerve.

Background: Electrical stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system results in slowing of the heart. We sought to determine whether cardiac vagal efferent axons can be stimulated adequately to induce bradycardia without disturbing the integrity of the thorax.

Methods: Cardiodepressor effects elicited by direct stimulation of a vagus nerve in anesthetized dogs and pigs were compared with those generated when the same nerve was stimulated indirectly through bipolar electrodes placed in the adjacent superior vena cava.

Endoscopic discectomy increases thoracic spine flexibility as effectively as open discectomy. A mechanical study in a porcine model.

Study Design: Two surgical techniques for anterior discectomy were compared biomechanically. The surgical procedures were performed in live, anesthetized, skeletally immature pigs. Spine flexibility was measured in vitro.

Endoscopic ovariohysterectomy in two lions (Panthera leo).

Endoscopic techniques were used to ovariohysterectomize two hybrid Asian lions (Panthera leo) in order to reduce the risk of postoperative wound complications associated with standard surgical techniques. One of the lions was aged, overweight, and considered an anesthetic risk. The animals were anesthetized, intubated, catheterized intravenously, and placed in dorsal recumbency with the head lower (Trendelenburg position).

An animal model for teaching subfacial ligation of perforator veins to treat venous stasis ulcers.

Endoscopic subfacial ligation of perforator veins in the lower limb has been described in the treatment of venous stasis ulcer. An animal model to enable surgeons to become familiar with the surgical technique is presented. The model uses the porcine abdominal wall and allows practice in endoscopic dissection and ligation using appropriate instrumentation in an environment that is a reasonable surrogate for the human calf.

Video-assisted thoracic corpectomy and spinal reconstruction: a biomechanical analysis of open versus endoscopic technique.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the technique of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) to perform corpectomy and spinal reconstruction with the Harrington rod and polymethylmethacrylate construct, and to compare the biomechanical stability of the constructs created with both open thoracotomy and VATS technique. Fourteen farm-raised pigs were divided into two groups. Group I underwent thoracic corpectomy using a VATS approach and group II had the same procedure performed through a traditional thoracotomy.

A comparison of the hemodynamic and ventilatory effects of abdominal insufflation with helium and carbon dioxide in young swine.

Abdominal CO2 insufflation has been shown to cause hypercarbia, acidemia, and decreased oxygenation in a pediatric animal model. Such metabolic derangements have prompted a search for alternative insufflation gases. This study compares the hemodynamic and ventilatory changes that occur during pneumoperitoneum with CO2 and helium.

A perfluorochemical emulsion for prehospital resuscitation of experimental hemorrhagic shock: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a novel, oxygen-transporting perfluorochemical emulsion as a prehospital therapy, using a canine hemorrhagic shock model based on compromised tissue oxygenation.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled study.

Setting: HemaGen animal laboratory.

Improved myocardial preservation by control of the oxidation-reduction potential.

Simple cold storage remains the current method of preservation of human heart allografts between removal and transplantation, but this technique is not adequate for prolonged periods of preservation. An alternative to cold storage is machine perfusion of the isolated organ. Although this technique has yielded promising results in kidney preservation, there is limited experience with the heart.

Emergency treatment of urethral obstruction in male cats.

Cats with mild urethral obstruction are anesthetized, the obstruction removed and the bladder lavaged. Moderately affected cats are sedated and given IV fluids, and usually return to normal soon after the obstruction is removed. Severely affected cats are given IV fluids, NaHCO3 and Ca gluconate, sedated or anesthetized and unblocked.

Cold blood potassium diltiazem cardioplegia.

Despite the use of cold blood potassium (CBK) cardioplegia, the severely impaired myocardium and/or long ischemia time continue to be a challenge. Because of the association of Ca++ with cell injury and death, the use of Ca++ entry blockers is logical. Investigation of cold blood diltiazem (CBD) revealed no advantages over CBK cardioplegia.

Diagnostic peritoneal lavage before and after abdominal surgery in dogs.

Complete blood cell counts and peritoneal lavage (PL) were done 2 days before and 2 days after abdominal surgery. Abdominal surgery consisted of intestinal resection/anastomosis and cystotomy in 18 dogs in group 1 and gastrotomy, pyloromyotomy, and repair of diaphragmatic laceration in 20 dogs in group 2. Insertion of the dialysis catheter for PL preoperatively in a right paramedian location resulted in more PL samples contaminated with blood than when the catheter was inserted on the abdominal midline.

Cardiopulmonary effects of thiopental/lidocaine combination during anesthetic induction in the dog.

The cardiopulmonary effects and tendencies to produce ventricular arrhythmias were evaluated in 13 dogs given a surgical plane of anesthesia by thiopental (IV) or a combination of thiopental and lidocaine (IV). Thiopental (22 mg/kg of body weight) was compared with a combination of thiopental (11 mg/kg) and lidocaine (8.8 mg/kg).

Canine septic peritonitis: treatment with flunixin meglumine.

The efficacy of treating acute lethal peritonitis with flunixin meglumine was investigated in dogs. Following intraperitoneal administration of Escherichia coli organisms in a sterile fecal suspension, eight dogs were left untreated and eight dogs were treated with flunixin meglumine (2.2 mg/kg) at 15 min and 12 hr.

Cardiopulmonary effects of intravenous xylazine, ketamine, and atropine in the dog.

Atropine (0.04 mg/kg of body weight) and the combination of xylazine (1.1 mg/kg) and ketamine (11 mg/kg) were administered IV to dogs, and cardiopulmonary variables were measured.

Congenital portacaval shunts in two cats: diagnosis and surgical correction.

Congenital portacaval shunts causing signs of hepatic encephalopathy were diagnosed and surgically corrected in 2 cats. A tentative diagnosis of portacaval shunt in each case was based on history, results of physical examination, and a high venous ammonia concentration. A definitive diagnosis was established by mesenteric portography and by direct visualization of the shunt vessel during surgery.