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Published on: May 8, 2011
Evaluation of a technique to occlude the internal carotid artery of horses
H S Cheramie1, R S Pleasant, J L Robertson
1Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, USA.
Insights
This study demonstrates an effective technique for occluding the equine internal carotid artery using a detachable balloon and ligatures. This method successfully prevented hemorrhage in horses with internal carotid artery lesions.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Equine Internal Medicine
- Vascular Interventions
Background:
- Internal carotid artery lesions in horses can lead to fatal hemorrhage.
- Effective occlusion techniques are crucial for managing these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel occlusion technique for the equine internal carotid artery.
- Assess the efficacy and safety of using an intravascular balloon and ligatures.
Main Methods:
- An experimental study was conducted on six healthy adult horses.
- The left internal carotid artery was occluded using a detachable latex balloon and proximal ligatures.
- Radiographic, endoscopic, and histologic evaluations were performed post-occlusion.
Main Results:
- The occlusion technique was technically straightforward and complication-free.
- Complete and sustained occlusion of the internal carotid artery was achieved in all horses.
- Histologic examination revealed organized thrombi and patent collateral circulation.
Conclusions:
- The described intravascular balloon and ligature technique is effective for equine internal carotid artery occlusion.
- This method offers a potential solution for preventing fatal hemorrhage in horses with internal carotid artery pathology.
Objective:
To evaluate an occlusion technique for the internal carotid artery of horses using an intravascular, detachable, self-sealing, latex balloon distally and ligatures proximally.
Study Design:
Experimental study.
Animals:
Six healthy adult horses.
Methods:
In each horse, the left internal carotid artery was occluded by placement of an intravascular, detachable, self-sealing, latex balloon distally and two ligatures proximally. Radiographs were taken on days 2, 5, 10, and 30 after surgery to evaluate balloon inflation and position. Endoscopic examination of the left guttural pouch was performed 10 days after surgery to evaluate the integrity of the internal carotid artery and surrounding tissues. At 30 days, the left and right, common, internal, and external carotid arteries were examined grossly and then processed for histologic evaluation.
Results:
Immediate and long-term occlusion of the left internal carotid artery was achieved in all horses. The surgical procedure was technically straightforward and no intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. The balloons remained inflated and in their original position throughout the study. Maturing to mature, organized thrombi were present in the left internal carotid artery in all horses at 30 days. The cerebral arterial circle and common carotid artery were patent at their junctions with the internal carotid artery in all horses.
Conclusions:
Use of an intravascular, detachable, self-sealing, latex balloon distally and ligatures proximally is an effective technique for occluding the internal carotid artery of horses.
Clinical Relevance:
This technique may be useful for prevention of fatal hemorrhage in horses with lesions of the internal carotid artery.
