Reconstruction of the jugular vein in horses with post thrombophlebitis stenosis using saphenous vein graft.

The researchers developed a surgical procedure to treat horses suffering from swelling on the face due to blood clot-induced constriction of the jugular vein using a graft from the saphenous vein. The technique was effective in 2 out of 3 subjects in maintaining an open, functioning graft and alleviating facial swelling.

Introduction and Methodology

• The research revolves around a surgical technique aiming to provide a solution for facial edema – or swelling – in horses. This condition is a result of the constriction of the jugular vein due to a blood clot, known as post-thrombophlebitic stenosis.
• The researchers developed a novel surgical approach wherein they used a graft from the saphenous vein (a long vein running along the leg) to reconstruct the affected jugular vein.
• The saphenous vein for the graft was harvested from the limb opposite to the one with the occluded jugular vein. It was then implanted into the blocked vein through a procedure using two side-to-end anastomoses – a surgical connection between two structures.
• Anticoagulative medication was administered during and after the operation to prevent the formation of clots in the newly operated vein.

Results and Findings

• The surgical technique was applied to 3 patients and the results were analyzed. In 2 out of the 3 horses, the treatment resulted in a permanently patent, or open, graft.
• Successful treatment led to the resolution of facial edema, indicating the effectiveness of this surgical approach in such cases.
• In one patient, the graft thrombosed, or developed a clot, which shows that there are potential complications that need to be addressed.

Conclusion

• Overall, the study suggests a promising surgical technique to treat horses suffering from facial swelling due to post thrombophlebitic stenosis of the jugular vein.
• The technique, using a graft from the saphenous vein, was successful in most cases. There remains a need for further study and improvements based on the case where a complication emerged after the operation.
• These results may be beneficial in future developments of surgical techniques related to the reconstruction of veins in veterinary medicine.