Adaptation and evaluation of a monopolar electrosurgical triangle-tip knife for transendoscopic ventriculocordectomy in healthy horses.

This research study evaluates the performance and safety of a transendoscopic monopolar electrosurgical triangle-tip knife utilized in performing unilateral ventriculocordectomy on healthy adult horses. The method appear to be successful short-term, but requires additional long-term assessment to determine its impact on the rima glottis area.

Research Methodology

• The study carried out an in vivo trial involving nine horses. These horses were donated due to medical conditions unrelated to respiratory issues.
• The monopolar electrosurgical triangle-tip knife was used in contact fashion to conduct a unilateral ventriculocordectomy while the horses were under sedation.
• Two masked surgeons assessed endoscopic images of the upper airway for signs of inflammation at different points before and after the surgery.
• In a subsequent step of this experiment, four larynxes were evaluated histologically for inflammation and the presence of collagen deposition 24 hours and 14 days post operation.

Research Findings

• The ventriculocordectomy procedure was conducted successfully on all participating horses.
• Evidence of inflammation was graded as normal before the operation. Post-surgery assessments showed mild inflammation immediately after, then again at 24 hours, and 7 days post-surgery. By the 14th day, the inflammation level returned to normalcy.
• On evaluation of the surgical site and ventricularis muscle, it was observed that inflammation had generally increased 24 hours and 14 days after the surgery.
• It was also noted that fibrosis and collagen deposition seemed to have increased at the surgical site 14 days post-surgery.

Conclusion

• The research concludes that the use of an electrosurgical triangle-tip knife in unilateral ventriculocordectomy may be a feasible alternative when a diode laser isn’t available or its cost is prohibitive.
• Despite these encouraging short-term outcomes, the procedure’s impact on the horses’ rima glottic cross-sectional area needs further and more extensive evaluation.