Non-surgical external jugular vein catheterization using an ear vein access in piglets

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Surgical Techniques
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Central venous catheterization is crucial in veterinary medicine.
• Minimally invasive techniques are sought for improved animal welfare.
• The external jugular vein is an accessible central vein in piglets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of external jugular vein catheterization using an ear vein approach in piglets.
• To evaluate the efficacy of this technique for repeated blood sampling.
• To determine the optimal landmark for successful catheterization.

Main Methods:

• External jugular vein catheterization via the ear vein using the Seldinger technique in 46 anesthetized piglets.
• Part 1: Utilized the deltoid tuberosity as a landmark (n=27).
• Part 2: Performed without landmarks (n=19); catheter position verified by CT; catheterization time and blood sampling assessed.

Main Results:

• Successful catheter advancement was achieved in 93.5% (43/46) of piglets.
• Repeated blood sampling was possible in 89.1% (41/46) of piglets.
• Median catheterization time was 1.95 minutes; the deltoid tuberosity served as a reliable landmark.

Conclusions:

• External jugular vein catheterization through the ear vein is a feasible and effective procedure in piglets.
• The technique supports repeated blood sampling, crucial for monitoring critically ill animals.
• The deltoid tuberosity is a useful landmark, though successful catheterization is possible without it.