Feasibility and clinical utility of transvenous intracardiac echocardiography in conscious, sedated horses.

The research article discusses the feasibility and clinical utility of a specific method of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) conducted on conscious, sedated horses. The study evaluates the use of the ICE catheter to assess cardiac structures and function, and provides the standard views and procedures for this species.

Objective and Methodology of the Study

• The aim of the study is to evaluate the feasibility and utility of a particular kind of ICE catheter (5-10 MHz, 8 French, 90 cm in length) in assessing cardiac functions and structures in standing, sedated horses. The study also describes the standard views for these creatures.
• The researchers performed this procedure on 10 apparently healthy horses from a university teaching herd. The weight of the horses ranged from 458.1 to 618.2 kg.
• Each horse underwent a physical examination and transthoracic echocardiography. The ICE procedure was performed percutaneously, with an ICE catheter placed in the right jugular vein in the proximal third of the neck. The horses were continuously monitored with an ECG using telemetry.

Results of the Study

• Three positions for intracardiac echocardiography were described – cranial right atrium, mid right atrium, and right ventricle. Seven views associated with these positions were also recorded and standardized using the 2D, pulse wave Doppler, continuous wave Doppler, color Doppler, and M-mode image acquisition techniques.
• The positions used for echocardiography were simultaneously validated and confirmed using transthoracic echocardiography.
• The procedure was generally well tolerated by the horses. Only mild, occasional ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias were observed. These arrhythmias were resolved by repositioning the echocardiography catheter within the heart.

Conclusion of the Study

• The researchers concluded that intracardiac echocardiography is a feasible and safe method for obtaining diagnostic images of the heart in conscious, sedated horses. This technique provides viable information about the cardiac structures and function in horses, making it a valuable tool in veterinary cardiology.