Complications of a permanent transvenous pacing catheter in a horse.
Abstract: Gross and histopathological findings in a 9-year-old horse implanted with permanent transvenous pacing cardiac catheters, 18 and 34 months before its death, are described. Lesions consisting of extensive fibrino-haemorrhagic thrombi with large numbers of bacterial colonies were present along the electrode wires and on mural and valvular endocardial surfaces of the right heart. There was a locally extensive area of suppurative endocarditis around the attachment site of the atrial electrode, which was loosely attached by a thin band of membranous tissue to the endocardium. The ventricular electrode was firmly embedded in the myocardium and was surrounded by a dense area of fibrous connective tissue in which multifocal mineralized areas were seen. Histologically, there was evidence of terminal bacteraemia. The observed lesions are discussed with respect to findings in man and other animals with similar cardiac implants.
Publication Date: 1989-10-01 PubMed ID: 2584450DOI: 10.1016/0021-9975(89)90041-8Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research article describes the post-mortem findings of a 9-year-old horse fitted with transvenous pacing cardiac catheters, revealing severe complications including thrombi, bacterial colonies, and suppurative endocarditis.
Study Description and Objective
The study focuses on gross and histopathological findings observed in a 9-year-old horse that had two permanent transvenous cardiac pacing catheters installed 18 and 34 months before it died. The primary objective of the research was to explore and describe the complications arising from the implantation of these catheters, and compare these results with similar findings in humans and other animals with like implants.
Observations and Findings
- The research observed extensive fibrino-haemorrhagic thrombi, or blood clots involving fibrin and red blood cells and large numbers of bacterial colonies. These were conspicuously present along the installed catheter wires, and on surfaces of the right heart, including walls and valves.
- Endocarditis, inflammation of the internal tissues of the heart, particularly severe around the atrial electrode’s attachment area, was noted. The atrial electrode was found loosely attached to the endocardium, the innermost lining of the heart, by a thin band of tissue.
- The ventricular electrode, on the other hand, was embedded firmly in the myocardium, the middle layer of the heart wall, and was surrounded by a dense area of fibrous connective tissue. Within this tissue, multifocal mineralized areas were visible, showing signs of calcification or abnormal hardening.
- On the microscopic level, there were indications of terminal bacteraemia – the presence of bacteria in the blood, typically a sign of serious infection.
Comparison with Other Cases
The researchers discuss the findings drawn from this study in the context of similar observations made in human cases and other animals fitted with cardiac implants. This provides a broader perspective on the potential complications resulting from permanent cardiac implant procedures and offers a comparative analysis that may guide improvements in surgical and post-operative management strategies.
Cite This Article
APA
Hamir AN, Reef VB.
(1989).
Complications of a permanent transvenous pacing catheter in a horse.
J Comp Pathol, 101(3), 317-326.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9975(89)90041-8 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square 19348.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Electrodes, Implanted / adverse effects
- Electrodes, Implanted / veterinary
- Endocarditis, Bacterial / etiology
- Endocarditis, Bacterial / pathology
- Heart Block / therapy
- Heart Block / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / etiology
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horse Diseases / therapy
- Horses
- Male
- Pacemaker, Artificial / adverse effects
- Pacemaker, Artificial / veterinary
- Sepsis / etiology
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- De Lange L, Van Steenkiste G, Vernemmen I, Vera L, Cromheeke KMC, Walser U, Meert H, Decloedt A, van Loon G. Successful application of closed loop stimulation pacemakers with remote monitoring in 3 miniature donkeys with syncope.. J Vet Intern Med 2021 Nov;35(6):2920-2925.
- Sedlinská M, Kabeš R, Novák M, Kološ F, Melková P. Single-Chamber Cardiac Pacemaker Implantation in a Donkey with Complete AV Block: A Long-Term Follow-Up.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Mar 9;11(3).
- Vaid J. Bacteraemia in man and animals: an overview.. Vet Res Commun 1991;15(5):341-62.
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