Comparison of Three Different Techniques for Subcutaneous Relocation of the Carotid Artery in Small Ruminants

Abstract

Three surgical techniques for subcutaneous relocation of the carotid artery in small ruminants are compared. A total of 25 sheep and seven goats were used and randomly assigned to three groups. In group A (technique A), the carotid artery was moved subcutaneously and kept there by suturing the tissues on both sides of the jugular vein beneath the relocated artery and the skin above it. In the other two groups the relocated artery was secured into a skin strip (technique B) or a skin fold (technique C). The animals were used for repeated blood sampling over a period of several months. Technique A did not provide good immobilization whilst among the three, technique B provided the least protection of the relocated artery and was the most difficult to perform. It was concluded that technique C was superior to the other two methods in providing better conditions for long-term blood sampling.

Modified technique for common carotid artery transposition in standing horses

“…Periarterial fibrosis developed in one horse at the surgical site and resulted in reduced patency of the elevated arterial segment. Occlusion of the artery by space‐occupying lesions, like periarterial hematoma or abscess, has been reported as a complication in sheep after permanent translocation of the common carotid artery . Fibrosis surrounding the elevated artery in this horse may have led to stenosis by physical constriction and by reducing the elasticity of the surrounding tissues, reducing the pulsatility of the artery.…”

“…The technique described in this study is a modification of previously described techniques to translocate the common carotid artery . In our study, the CCA was approached through a linear skin incision, as described .…”

“…Repeated sampling of arterial blood and direct arterial blood pressure monitoring are required in many physiologic and pharmacologic experiments in animal models. The common carotid artery (CCA) is frequently translocated to a subcutaneous position to facilitate repeated sampling or catheterization of the artery in large animals, such as sheep, cattle, and horses . Different techniques have been described for subcutaneous translocation of the CCA in anesthetized small ruminants .…”

“…The common carotid artery (CCA) is frequently translocated to a subcutaneous position to facilitate repeated sampling or catheterization of the artery in large animals, such as sheep, cattle, and horses . Different techniques have been described for subcutaneous translocation of the CCA in anesthetized small ruminants . In horses, the available literature on the procedure is scarce and is described for anesthetized horses .…”

“…The previously described technique involving the creation of a skin flap reported seroma formation as complication in cases where a suction drainage system was not used postoperatively . In sheep and goats the reported complications of permanent translocation of the CCA include subcutaneous hematoma and abscess formation, occlusion of the elevated artery segment, and necrosis of the skin flap …”