Use of a wireless system to measure invasive arterial blood pressure in ponies - preliminary study.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and functionality of intra-carotid wireless device implantation in ponies, and to investigate its short-term complications.

Study Design: Prospective preliminary study.

Animals: Five mixed breed, adult, intact male ponies weighing 104 +/- 28.8 kg (mean +/- SD) underwent surgery. Arterial blood pressure data were continuously collected from four animals.

Methods: General anesthesia was induced on two consecutive days. On the first day, an intra-arterial wireless device was implanted in the right carotid artery. On the next day, a transcutaneous intra-arterial catheter was placed in the left facial artery. Data from both sources were collected. Post-mortem examination was performed.

Results: Surgical time was 27.1 +/- 11.85 minutes. All catheters remained in place with some extra vascular migration. Complications included mild seroma and hematoma.

Conclusion: The wireless system allowed continuous monitoring in ponies throughout anesthesia and at rest and may allow for the recording of arterial blood pressure and heart rate when it would be difficult to achieve with a conventional system (e.g. during recovery from anesthesia).

Clinical Relevance: The wireless invasive blood pressure monitor may allow continuous measurements when only intermittent measurements would be feasible with a wired system.