Cystic duct pressures after ligation with a novel absorbable device in an ex vivo caprine cholecystectomy model

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard of care in human medicine for gall bladder disease. Although infrequently reported in veterinary literature, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an option for uncomplicated gall bladder disease in canine patients. Due to the risk of cystic duct ligature slippage or clip dislodgement, we wanted to explore the use of a LigaTie; a novel absorbable medical device modeled after a cable tie. Our object was to describe the use of the LigaTie in a caprine cadaveric study of cholecystectomies as a model for canine patients and demonstrate the leak pressure of the cystic duct compared with cholecystectomies performed with 2 large endoscopic hemoclips. Samples of caprine gall bladder, liver, and cystic duct were collected. The cystic duct was ligated with either 2 large endoscopic hemoclips or a LigaTie. Maximum cystic duct pressure was recorded. Results showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the maximum cystic duct pressure achieved for cystic ducts ligated with 2 large endoscopic hemoclips or the LigaTie (P = 0.865). No leakage was observed from the cystic duct, hemoclip, or LigaTie site in either group. Supraphysiologic pressures were achieved in both groups and high pressure occlusion of the infusion pump determined the maximum intraluminal pressure achieved. Based on these results, the LigaTie may provide advantages in minimally invasive surgery, especially when considering ligation of a friable or thickened cystic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Future in vivo studies are warranted to determine minimally invasive maneuverability, tissue interaction, complications, and outcomes.