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Transuterine Fetal Tracheal Occlusion Model in Mice
Published on: February 5, 2021
An optimum animal model for neonatal thoracoscopy
Vinci S Jones1, James G Wood, Craig Godfrey
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia. vincij@chw.edu.au
Summary
This study evaluated piglets and rabbits as animal models for neonatal thoracoscopy. Piglets proved superior for procedures like esophageal anastomosis, making them the optimal choice for neonatal thoracoscopy research.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Neonatal Research
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- Neonatal thoracoscopy is a developing minimally invasive surgical technique.
- Establishing an appropriate animal model is crucial for advancing neonatal thoracic surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the optimal animal model for neonatal thoracoscopy.
- To compare the feasibility of thoracoscopic procedures in rabbits and piglets.
Main Methods:
- Seven rabbits and three piglets underwent thoracoscopy performed by pediatric surgeons.
- Success rates for esophageal anastomosis, diaphragmatic plication, and lung biopsy were recorded.
- Anesthetic complications were documented for both species.
Main Results:
- Esophageal anastomosis was successful in all piglets but only one rabbit.
- Additional procedures were feasible in piglets but not rabbits.
- Anesthetic complications occurred in four rabbits and one piglet.
Conclusions:
- The piglet is a suitable animal model for neonatal thoracoscopy.
- Rabbits are limited by their fragility and small intrathoracic space for these procedures.
