A pre-clinical animal study of a novel mechanical-only ablation device treatment for superficial venous disease.

Objective: Current minimally invasive techniques for ablation in superficial venous reflux are limited to thermal based systems requiring tumescent anesthesia, non-thermal chemical sclerosants and permanent glue implantation. The aim of this feasibility study was to determine the safety and efficacy of a novel mechanical-only ablation (MOA) device called EnVena, in a recognised large animal model with chronic follow up.

Methods: Venous ablation of six lateral saphenous veins in three sheep was performed using the EnVena device.

Transcriptomics of liver and muscle in Holstein cows genetically divergent for fertility highlight differences in nutrient partitioning and inflammation processes.

Background: The transition between pregnancy and lactation is a major physiological change for dairy cows. Complex systemic and local processes involving regulation of energy balance, galactopoiesis, utilisation of body reserves, insulin resistance, resumption of oestrous cyclicity and involution of the uterus can affect animal productivity and hence farm profitability. Here we used an established Holstein dairy cow model of fertility that displayed genetic and phenotypic divergence in calving interval.