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Technique for guttural pouch bead removal using a novel three-dimensional (3D)-printed instrument
Guillermo C Cardona1, Linda A Dahlgren2, Christopher R Byron2
1Ocean State Equine Associates, North Scituate, Rhode Island, USA.
Veterinary Surgery : VS
|July 26, 2024
Summary
A novel 3D-printed instrument effectively removed more plastic beads from equine guttural pouches (GP) through dorsal pharyngeal recess (DPR) fenestration. This technique offers a promising alternative for treating GP chondroids with reduced lavage time and minimal soft tissue damage.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Equine Medicine
Background:
- Guttural pouch (GP) chondroids are challenging to remove.
- Current techniques may be time-consuming and cause soft tissue damage.
- A dorsal pharyngeal recess (DPR) fenestration offers a potential access route.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a 3D-printed instrument for improved lavage removal of GP chondroid mimics.
- To compare the 3D-printed instrument with a lavage tube control.
- To assess removal efficiency, time, and soft tissue damage via DPR fenestration.
Main Methods:
- Experimental cadaveric study using 30 equine heads.
- DPR fenestration performed via transendoscopic laser.
- Plastic beads (chondroid mimics) placed in GP; removal compared using 3D-printed instrument vs. lavage tube via DPR or salpingopharyngeal ostium (SPO).
Main Results:
- The 3D-printed instrument removed significantly more beads (median 48) faster (median 24 beads/cycle) compared to controls (median 6 beads, 0.66 beads/cycle).
- No significant difference in total beads removed or speed between placement sites (DPR vs. SPO).
- No significant difference in soft tissue damage observed between procedures.
Conclusions:
- The 3D-printed instrument facilitates efficient removal of guttural pouch chondroid mimics.
- DPR fenestration combined with this 3D-printed instrument is a viable alternative to current techniques.
- Further investigation in clinical cases is warranted to validate this novel approach.
