Modified technique for common carotid artery transposition in standing horses.

The research presents a new technique for permanently moving the common carotid artery (CCA) to a subtler skin position in standing horses. Using a combination of existing techniques, the researchers performed a surgery that resulted in successful relocation and usability of the CCA in six out of eight horses.

Methodology

• The study was conducted with eight healthy adult Standardbred and Warmblood horses.
• Surgery was performed while the horses were standing, under sedation and local anesthesia.
• The right CCA was accessed through a linear skin incision dorsal and parallel to the jugular vein and through the brachiocephalicus and omohyoideus muscles.
• The artery was separated from its protective layer and lifted to the skin incision using Penrose drains. The brachiocephalicus muscle was sewn in two layers underneath the artery, placing it in a subcutaneous, or under-the-skin, position.
• The horses were allowed to heal for three weeks before the artery was catheterized.

Results

• The transposed CCA was successfully used for recurring catheterization in six of eight horses over a period of 10 weeks.
• None of the horses faced complications during the operation.
• Minor edema, that resolved spontaneously, was observed around the surgery site in two horses.
• Right-sided laryngeal hemiplegia was seen endoscopically in two horses after surgery.
• Two horses faced complications such as infection at the surgery site and excessive fibrosis around the artery, which affected the openness of the CCA and made catheterization impossible.

Conclusions

• The modified technique for relocating the CCA in standing horses proved successful in most cases, with six out of eight horses responding positively post-surgery.
• The researchers recommend conducting postoperative upper airway endoscopy as there may be a risk of laryngeal hemiplegia (a type of paralysis that affects the horse’s ability to swallow), post-operation.