The Use of Bovine Pericardial Patches in Vascular Surgery: Where do we Draw the Line in Obtaining Informed Consent?

Unlabelled: For a patient undergoing a carotid endarterectomy, induction with propofol, administration of heparin at the time of vessel clamping, use of a bovine pericardial patch for angioplasty, covering the wound with a hydrocolloid dressing and post-operative aspirin administration exposes the patient to animal products at every stage, from the moment they walk through the door. A number of articles have advocated obtaining informed consent when using animal products in healthcare but where should the line be drawn?

Methods: A narrative review of the literature, specifically focussing on secular and religious beliefs about the use of animal products in healthcare. Application of ethical principles and GMC guidance to formulatea discussion with regards to the use of bovine pericardium in vascular surgery. Advanced literature search carried out using Pubmed and Google Scholar databases comparing patch material used forcarotid endarterectomy.

Results: Disclosing the use of animal derived constituents in surgery is warranted under Beauchamp and Childress' four principals and highlighted in GMC guidance. Obtaining consent for the use of animalderived constituents at the time of surgery is something that should become a fundamental component of the written consent process and alternatives should be sought where available and practicable.

Conclusion: This review highlights the evidence available and discusses our current standpoint from both a legal and ethical aspect.