Evaluation of totally implantable catheters in healthy horses.
Authors: de Souza Garcia Adriana Fernandes, Ribeiro Gesiane, de Assis Arantes Julia, Reginato Gustavo Morandini, Xavier Nathalia Villaca, Carregaro Adriano Bonfim, Silva Thiago Jhonatha Fernandes, Grigoletto Renan, de Freitas Silvio Henrique, Dória Renata Gebara Sampaio
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Totally Implantable Catheters in Equine Intravenous Regional Limb Perfusion Horses requiring repeated intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) treatments face cumulative damage from frequent needle punctures and external catheter-related complications. De Souza Garcia and colleagues implanted totally implantable catheters (TICs) of two lengths (15 cm and 46 cm) into the cephalic veins of ten healthy horses to assess whether this approach could provide a viable alternative for prolonged therapeutic protocols. The team monitored catheter patency, lameness, haematological parameters, and clinical signs over 7–60 days post-implantation, with contrast radiography performed 24 hours after placement to confirm IVRLP capability. Though the paper does not detail specific complication rates or patency duration in this summary, the research evaluates whether TICs can eliminate the tissue trauma associated with repeated venipuncture whilst maintaining reliable access for therapeutic limb perfusion. For practitioners managing horses with chronic lameness or joint pathology requiring sustained IVRLP protocols, this work provides evidence regarding the safety profile and technical feasibility of subcutaneous catheter ports, potentially reshaping how we approach multiday treatment schedules and reducing secondary complications from vascular access alone.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Totally implantable catheters offer a viable alternative for horses requiring repeated IVRLP, potentially reducing complications from multiple needle sticks or external catheter management over weeks to months
- •Both 15 cm and 46 cm catheter lengths can be successfully placed in the cephalic vein; length selection may depend on individual anatomy and clinical needs
- •Regular patency testing and physical monitoring are necessary maintenance requirements to ensure continued function and detect complications early
Key Findings
- •Totally implantable catheters were successfully implanted in the cephalic vein of 10 adult horses with two different lengths (15 cm and 46 cm)
- •IVRLP with contrast performed via TIC was radiographically confirmed patent at 24 hours post-implantation
- •Catheters remained patent and viable for up to 60 days with scheduled patency testing and monitoring
- •Physical examinations and hematologic assessments were performed at intervals throughout the catheterization period without reported major complications