Long-term facial artery catheter implantation for serial arterial blood sampling and invasive arterial blood pressure measurement in horses.

This research investigates the effectiveness of implanting catheters into the facial arteries of horses for the purpose of serial blood sampling and invasive blood pressure measurements. It was found that these catheters can be kept functional for an extended period through the use of a heparin and ascorbic acid solution.

Methodology

• The researchers studied surgical catheter implantation in the facial artery of nine horses.
• The catheters used for this study were made of polyurethane.
• For maintaining the patency of the catheters, a solution of heparin and ascorbic acid was used. This solution was flushed through the catheters every eight hours.
• The study period lasted for 25 days, during which the catheters remained patent.

Data Collection

• Arterial blood samples were collected twice a day from the implanted catheters.
• An exercise test was also part of the study. During this, the horses performed on a treadmill, and serial blood samples were collected and arterial pressure measurement was recorded.

Findings and Conclusion

• The findings confirmed that catheters implanted into the facial artery of the horses remained functional over a considerable period with the help of a heparin/ascorbic acid solution.
• This method provided a convenient way to have invasive arterial access in horses. It can hence be utilized for serial blood sampling and recording arterial blood pressure.
• The adopted method was found to be effective and valuable even during the exercise test performed on the treadmill.