Evaluation of improved transvenous heartworm extraction brush in dogs with caval syndrome
Jihyun Kim1, Junemoe Jeong2, Kanghyo Park3
1Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Korea.
Insights
This study shows an improved transvenous heartworm extraction brush effectively removes heartworms in dogs with caval syndrome. The device demonstrated efficiency and safety, offering a promising solution for severe heartworm burdens.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Parasitology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection is prevalent in dogs, particularly those outdoors or in shelters.
- Severe cases can lead to Caval syndrome, necessitating physical heartworm removal.
- Existing extraction devices have limitations, prompting the development of an improved tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of an improved transvenous heartworm extraction brush.
- To assess the safety and effectiveness of the novel device in removing Dirofilaria immitis.
Main Methods:
- An improved transvenous heartworm extraction brush with enhanced features was utilized.
- The procedure involved inserting the brush via the jugular vein to capture and extract heartworms.
- Eight dogs with Caval syndrome and significant heartworm burdens underwent the extraction procedure.
Main Results:
- A mean of 10.5 heartworms were removed per dog, with a low average of 0.63 remaining.
- Heartworms were undetectable by ultrasonography in most cases post-procedure.
- No procedure-related side effects were observed during the 1- to 2-month follow-up period.
Conclusions:
- The improved transvenous heartworm extraction brush is an efficient and safe method for heartworm removal in dogs suffering from Caval syndrome.
- This device offers a viable solution for managing severe Dirofilaria immitis infections requiring physical extraction.
Background:
Heartworm infection in dogs is caused by Dirofilaria immitis and common in shelter animals and outdoors dogs. Caval syndrome can develop with severe infection and physical heartworm removal is essential with heartworm burdens. In this study, we used an improved transvenous heartworm extraction brush, which was expected to cause less cardiovascular damage and allow easier manipulation.
Objectives:
This study aims to evaluate efficacy of this improved transvenous heartworm extraction brush.
Methods:
The brush was designed to improve upon the limitations of the previous brush-type devices. The brush was made of a polyvinyl chloride tube and threads of polyamides or polyglyconates. Metal material was inserted at the front tip for easy visualization under fluoroscopy. The eight dogs diagnosed with caval syndrome with large numbers of heartworms and pulmonary hypertension were used in this study. The removal procedure began with the dissection of the subcutaneous tissue around the right jugular vein. The device was inserted through the jugular vein. After insertion, the tube was rotated to catch the heartworms and extracted with the heartworms hanging on the threads. The procedure was repeated several times. Lastly, jugular vein and skin sutures were made. Adulticidal therapy was administered after heartworm removal.
Results:
The mean number of removed heartworms was 10.5 ± 4.24 and mean number of remaining heartworms was 0.63 ± 1.06. Total procedure time was 72.63 ± 51.36. Except for three cases, heartworms were not detected on ultrasonography after the procedure. No procedure-related side effects were observed within the 1- to 2-mon.
Conclusions:
An improved transvenous heartworm extraction brush is efficient for heartworm removal in dogs with caval syndrome.
