Interventionist videothermometry: a new model of cardiac ischemia evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate, through videothermometry, the temperature variation in the hearts of rabbits, that underwent induced myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. RESULTS: A total of 20 female rabbits were divided into two groups: a treated group and a sham group, the treatment group underwent 5 min of cardiac arrest and reperfusion, using the inflow occlusion technique. Throughout the experiment, the animals were monitored by videothermometry, observing the thermal variations of the myocardial tissue. During the experiment, at different times, blood gas tests and tests to evaluate the lactate concentrations were performed. At the end of the experiment, each heart was submitted to histopathological evaluation. In the treated group, there was a reduction in temperature of the myocardial tissue during the circulatory arrest compared to the sham group. Additionally, a colder area next to the caudal vena cava ostium and the right atrium was observed. Notably, despite the 5 min of cardiac arrest in the treated group, both the lactate and bicarbonate levels were maintained without significant variation. However, there was an increase in PaCO2 and pH reduction, featuring respiratory acidosis. In relation to the histopathological study, the presence of hydropic degeneration in the myocardium of animals in the treated group was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, the videothermometry was efficient in identifying the range of myocardial tissue temperature, suggesting that the first areas to suffer due to cardiac arrest were the caudal vena cava ostium and the right atrium. However, in regard to the angiographic coronary thermography, the study was not feasible due to the small size of the coronary. There was no variation between the groups regarding the presence of myocardial infarction, myocardial congestion, myocardial edema and myocardial hemorrhage.

Effects of Tributyltin (TBT) on Rat Bone and Mineral Metabolism.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Tributyltin (TBT) is an organotin (OTs) and biohazard organometallic pollutant. Recently our group has shown that TBT, even in very low doses, has deleterious effects on several tissues most likely due to its role as an endocrine-disrupting molecule. Other studies have confirmed that OT exposure could be responsible for neural, endocrine, and reproductive dysfunctions via in vitro and in vivo models. However, TBT effects on bone lack concise data despite the fact that bone turnover is regulated by endocrine molecules, such as parathormone (PTH), estrogen (E2), etc. Our group has already shown that TBT disrupts adrenal and female gonadal functions. METHODS: We studied the effects of TBT on bone metabolism and structure using DXA, microCT scan, and SEM. We also determined the calcium (Ca²âº) and phosphate (Pi) metabolism in TBT-treated rats as well as some biomarkers for bone formation and resorption. RESULTS: Surprisingly, we found that TBT leads to higher bone mineral density (BMD) although lesions in spinal bone were observed by either microCT scan or SEM. Biomarkers for bone resorption, such as the urinary deoxipyridinolines (DPD) excretion ratio was increased in TBT-treated animals versus mock-treated controls. Osteocalcin (OC) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) are markers of bone formation and are also elevated suggesting that the bone matrix suffers from a higher turnover. Serum Ca²âº (total and ionized) do not changed by TBT treatment although hypercalciuria is observed. CONCLUSION: It is known that Sn atoms have three valence states (Sn²âº, Sn³âº, and Sn4⁺); hence, we hypothesized that Sn (more likely Sn²âº) could be competing with Ca²âº and/or Mg²âº in hydroxyapatite mineral matrix to disturb bone turnover. Further work is needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Videothermometry to evaluate metabolic activity in real time during pneumectomy in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate, in rats, the open field videothermometry in real time while performing left pneumonectomy for early diagnosis of cardiopulmonary changes. METHODS: Twelve non-specific pathogen-free Wistar rats were randomly allocated into two groups; pneumectomy group (GP) and sham surgery group (GS). Mean arterial pressure, videothermometry in real time, of the right lung, and histopathological analysis of the remaining lung were evaluated in all animals. RESULTS: Videothermometry in real time allowed identification of temperature variance of right lung after pneumectomy, indicating a significant decrease in temperature during evaluation. There was a statistical difference between M0 and M1, M1 and M2 and M0 and M2 (p<0.004) in GS, and significant difference between M0 and M1, M1 and M2, and M2 and M0 with p<0.0001 in GP. CONCLUSIONS: Left pneumonectomy in rats shows initial histopathological changes after 60 minutes of its completion, indicating a possible compensation beginning. The open-field videothermometry in real time proved to be efficient identifying the temperature changes of the remaining lung.

Comparison of macroscopic resorption time for a self-locking device and suture material in ovarian pedicle ligation in dogs.

A resorbable self-locking device (LigaTie) was developed to enable safe and easy surgical ligation of blood vessels. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term in vivo resorption of the device to a commercially available suture of equivalent material (Maxon) following ovarian pedicle ligation. After ovariohysterectomy follow-up ultrasound examinations were performed monthly on 21 dogs ligated with the device and 22 dogs ligated with the suture material until no hyperechoic remnants, acoustic shadowing or local tissue reactions were detected. In both groups, the ovarian pedicles gradually decreased in size. Ligation material was considered macroscopically resorbed when ultrasound showed no signs of the device or suture, ovarian pedicle or tissue reaction. Macroscopic resorption had occurred without signs of complications and was complete by four months for sutures and 5.5 months for the device. The results show that resorption time in vivo for the resorbable self-locking device is mildly longer than suture of the same material and that no complications of device resorption were detected, supporting that the resorbable self-locking device is safe for in vivo use.

Videothermometry to evaluate metabolic activity in real time during pneumectomy in rats

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate, in rats, the open field videothermometry in real time while performing left pneumonectomy for early diagnosis of cardiopulmonary changes. Methods: Twelve non-specific pathogen-free Wistar rats were randomly allocated into two groups; pneumectomy group (GP) and sham surgery group (GS). Mean arterial pressure, videothermometry in real time, of the right lung, and histopathological analysis of the remaining lung were evaluated in all animals. Results: Videothermometry in real time allowed identification of temperature variance of right lung after pneumectomy, indicating a significant decrease in temperature during evaluation. There was a statistical difference between M0 and M1, M1 and M2 and M0 and M2 (p<0.004) in GS, and significant difference between M0 and M1, M1 and M2, and M2 and M0 with p<0.0001 in GP. Conclusions: Left pneumonectomy in rats shows initial histopathological changes after 60 minutes of its completion, indicating a possible compensation beginning. The open-field videothermometry in real time proved to be efficient identifying the temperature changes of the remaining lung.

Vitamin K Supplementation Modulates Bone Metabolism and Ultra-Structure of Ovariectomized Mice.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Osteoporosis is a bone metabolic disease that affects mostly post-menopausal women. There has been shown that vitamin K (VK) supplementation during menopause may decrease bone loss as well as risk of bone breaking. Aiming to clarify the beneficial role of VK in bone metabolism during menopause, we investigated mineral metabolism and bone ultrastructure of ovariectomized (OVX) mice. METHODS: To determine the effects chronic use of VK in bone structure and mineral metabolism in OVX mice, we used several methods, such as DXA, µCTScan, and SEM as well as biomolecular techniques, such as ELISA and qRT-PCR. In addition, complete analysis of serum hormonal and other molecules associated to bone and lipid metabolism were evaluated overview the effects of VK in menopause murine model. RESULTS: VK treatment significantly affects Pi metabolism independently of OVX, changing Pi plasma, urinary output, balance, and Pi bone mass. Interestingly, VK also increased VLDL in mice independently of castration. In addition, VK increased compact bone mass in OVX mice when we evaluated it by DXA, histomorphometry, µCTScanning. VK increased bone formation markers, osteocalcin, HYP- osteocalcin, and AP whereas it decreased bone resorption markers, such as urinary DPD/creatinine ratio and plasmatic TRAP. Surprisingly, SEM images revealed that VK treatment led to amelioration of microfractures observed in OVX untreated controls. In addition, SHAM operated VK treated mice exhibited higher number of migrating osteoblasts and in situ secretion of AP. OVX led to decreased to in situ secretion of AP that was restored by VK treatment. Moreover, VK treatment increased mRNA expression of bone Calbindin 28KDa independently of OVX. CONCLUSION: VK treatment in OVX mice exhibited beneficial effects on bone ultrastructure, mostly by altering osteoblastic function and secretion of organic bone matrix. Therefore, VK could be useful to treat osteopenic/osteoporotic patients.

Vascular endothelial growth factor association with angiopoietin 1 promotes improvement in ventricular function after ischemic cardiomyopathy induced in mini pigs.

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety and clinical, hemodynamic and tissue improvement ability in mini pigs undergoing cell and gene therapy for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: Thirty-two mini pigs Br1 lineage, 12 months old, undergoing induction of acute myocardial infarction by occlusion of the diagonal branch of the paraconal coronary. They were divided into 4 groups: one control group and 3 treatment groups (cell therapy and gene cell therapy). Echocardiography reviews were performed on three occasions and histopathological analysis was performed after 4 weeks. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey and Wilcoxon tests, were performed. RESULTS: Association of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with angiopoietin1 (Ang1) presented satisfactory results in the improvement of ventricular function following ischemic cardiomyopathy in mini pigs when compared to the results of the other treated groups. CONCLUSION: The therapy with VEGF and the combination of VEGF with Ang1, promoted recovered function of the myocardium, characterized by reduced akinetic area and induction of neovascularization.

Vascular endothelial growth factor association with angiopoietin 1 promotes improvement in ventricular function after ischemic cardiomyopathy induced in mini pigs

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the safety and clinical, hemodynamic and tissue improvement ability in mini pigs undergoing cell and gene therapy for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Methods: Thirty-two mini pigs Br1 lineage, 12 months old, undergoing induction of acute myocardial infarction by occlusion of the diagonal branch of the paraconal coronary. They were divided into 4 groups: one control group and 3 treatment groups (cell therapy and gene cell therapy). Echocardiography reviews were performed on three occasions and histopathological analysis was performed after 4 weeks. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey and Wilcoxon tests, were performed. Results: Association of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with angiopoietin1 (Ang1) presented satisfactory results in the improvement of ventricular function following ischemic cardiomyopathy in mini pigs when compared to the results of the other treated groups. Conclusion: The therapy with VEGF and the combination of VEGF with Ang1, promoted recovered function of the myocardium, characterized by reduced akinetic area and induction of neovascularization.

Technical innovation: Intragastric Single Port Sleeve Gastrectomy (IGSG). A feasibility survival study on porcine model.

PURPOSE: To perform technically the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) using a unique Intragastric Single Port (IGSG) in animal swine model, evidencing an effective and safe procedure, optimizing the conventional technique. METHODS: IGSG was performed in 4 minipigs, using a percutaneous intragastric single port located in the pre-pyloric region. The gastric stapling of the greater curvature started from the pre-pyloric region towards the angle of His by Endo GIA™ system and the specimen was removed through the single port. In the postoperative day 30, the animals were sacrificed and submitted to autopsy. RESULTS: All procedures were performed without conversion, and all survived 30 days. The mean operative time was 42 min. During the perioperative period no complications were observed during invagination and stapling. No postoperative complications occurred. Post-mortem examination showed no leaks or infectious complications. CONCLUSION: Intragastric Single Port is a feasible procedure that may be a suitable alternative technique of sleeve gastrectomy for the treatment of morbid obesity.

Technical innovation: Intragastric Single Port Sleeve Gastrectomy (IGSG). A feasibility survival study on porcine model

Abstract Purpose: To perform technically the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) using a unique Intragastric Single Port (IGSG) in animal swine model, evidencing an effective and safe procedure, optimizing the conventional technique. Methods: IGSG was performed in 4 minipigs, using a percutaneous intragastric single port located in the pre-pyloric region. The gastric stapling of the greater curvature started from the pre-pyloric region towards the angle of His by Endo GIA™ system and the specimen was removed through the single port. In the postoperative day 30, the animals were sacrificed and submitted to autopsy. Results: All procedures were performed without conversion, and all survived 30 days. The mean operative time was 42 min. During the perioperative period no complications were observed during invagination and stapling. No postoperative complications occurred. Post-mortem examination showed no leaks or infectious complications. Conclusion: Intragastric Single Port is a feasible procedure that may be a suitable alternative technique of sleeve gastrectomy for the treatment of morbid obesity.

Comparison among bone marrow mesenchymal stem and mononuclear cells to promote functional recovery after spinal cord injury in rabbits

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of allogeneic mesenchymal stem-cells and autologous mononuclear cells to promote sensorimotor recovery and tissue rescue. Methods: Female rabbits were submitted to the epidural balloon inflation method and the intravenous cells administrations were made after 8 hours or seven days after injury induction. Sensorimotor evaluation of the hindlimbs was performed, and the euthanasia was made thirty days after the treatment. Spinal cords were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Results: Both therapies given 8 hours after the injury promoted the sensorimotor recovery after a week. Only the group treated after a week with mononuclear cells showed no significant recovery at post-injury day 14. In the days 21 and 28, all treatments promoted significant recovery. Histopathological analysis showed no difference among the experimental groups. Our results showed that both bone marrow-derived cell types promoted significant sensorimotor recovery after injury, and the treatment made at least a week after injury is efficient. Conclusion: The possibilities of therapy with bone marrow-derived cells are large, increasing the therapeutic arsenal for the treatment of spinal cord injury.

Transaxillary single-port subtotal parathyroidectomy: feasibility study in cadavers.

Objective: to test the minimally invasive technique of single-port transaxillary subtotal parathyroidectomy in non-formalized cadavers to evaluate its viability and reproduction. Method: we performed ten subtotal parathyroidectomies through a transaxillary TriPort access in cadavers. The technique consisted of access through the axillary fossa, creating a subcutaneous tunnel to the anterior cervical region, for handling of the thyroid gland and dissection and resection of the parathyroid glands. Results: all surgeries were successful. The mean time of surgery was 65 minutes (57-79 min), with uncomplicated identification of all anatomical structures. There was no need for complementary incisions in the cervical region. Conclusion: the transaxillary single-port subtotal parathyroidectomy technique was feasible and reproducible, suggesting an alternative for minimally invasive cervical surgery.

Objetivo: testar a técnica minimamente invasiva de paratireoidectomia subtotal transaxilar single-port em cadáveres não formalizados para avaliar sua viabilidade e reprodução. Método: foram realizadas dez paratireoidectomias subtotais por via transaxilar através de acesso por TriPort em cadáveres. A técnica realizada consistiu em acesso pela fossa axilar, criando-se um túnel subcutâneo até a região cervical anterior, para manuseio da glândula tireoide e dissecção e ressecção das paratireoides. Resultados: todas as cirurgias foram realizadas com sucesso. O tempo médio de cirurgia foi 65 minutos (57-79 min), com identificação, sem dificuldades, de todas as estruturas anatômicas. Não houve necessidade de incisões complementares na região cervical. Conclusão: a técnica de paratireoidectomia subtotal transaxilar single-port foi viável e reprodutível, sugerindo uma alternativa para a cirurgia cervical minimamente invasiva.

Transaxillary single-port subtotal parathyroidectomy: feasibility study in cadavers / Paratireoidectomia subtotal transaxilar single-port: estudo de viabilidade em cadáver

ABSTRACT Objective : to test the minimally invasive technique of single-port transaxillary subtotal parathyroidectomy in non-formalized cadavers to evaluate its viability and reproduction. Method : we performed ten subtotal parathyroidectomies through a transaxillary TriPort access in cadavers. The technique consisted of access through the axillary fossa, creating a subcutaneous tunnel to the anterior cervical region, for handling of the thyroid gland and dissection and resection of the parathyroid glands. Results : all surgeries were successful. The mean time of surgery was 65 minutes (57-79 min), with uncomplicated identification of all anatomical structures. There was no need for complementary incisions in the cervical region. Conclusion : the transaxillary single-port subtotal parathyroidectomy technique was feasible and reproducible, suggesting an alternative for minimally invasive cervical surgery.

RESUMO Objetivo: testar a técnica minimamente invasiva de paratireoidectomia subtotal transaxilar single-port em cadáveres não formalizados para avaliar sua viabilidade e reprodução. Método: foram realizadas dez paratireoidectomias subtotais por via transaxilar através de acesso por TriPort em cadáveres. A técnica realizada consistiu em acesso pela fossa axilar, criando-se um túnel subcutâneo até a região cervical anterior, para manuseio da glândula tireoide e dissecção e ressecção das paratireoides. Resultados: todas as cirurgias foram realizadas com sucesso. O tempo médio de cirurgia foi 65 minutos (57-79 min), com identificação, sem dificuldades, de todas as estruturas anatômicas. Não houve necessidade de incisões complementares na região cervical. Conclusão: a técnica de paratireoidectomia subtotal transaxilar single-port foi viável e reprodutível, sugerindo uma alternativa para a cirurgia cervical minimamente invasiva.

STERILIZATION OF HYBRID MARMOSET ( CALLITHRIX SP.) FEMALES: AN EVALUATION OF TWO SURGICAL METHODS.

Population control techniques, either permanent or reversible, are important tools for the management of wildlife in captive and natural environments. Among these, surgical sterilization provides a permanent solution to unwanted reproduction. Surgical techniques can differ in their invasiveness and in the subsequent effect on behavior and physiology. For social animals, techniques that preserve gonads, such as vasectomy for males and ligation of uterine tubes for females, may be preferred because they maintain important physiology that influences behavior. This study compared two sterilization procedures for captive hybrid marmosets ( Callithrix sp.). Twenty adult females undergoing tubal ligation were divided into two groups and received treatment either with a laparotomy or a laparoscopic method. The following parameters were evaluated for each female: duration of procedure, pain levels, weight gain, wound healing, adhesion, and inflammation. The results indicate that both techniques were equally effective. However, the conventional surgery may be more advantageous, because it is significantly shorter in duration, is only slightly more invasive, and requires less formal training of the surgeon.

Comparison among bone marrow mesenchymal stem and mononuclear cells to promote functional recovery after spinal cord injury in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of allogeneic mesenchymal stem-cells and autologous mononuclear cells to promote sensorimotor recovery and tissue rescue. METHODS: Female rabbits were submitted to the epidural balloon inflation method and the intravenous cells administrations were made after 8 hours or seven days after injury induction. Sensorimotor evaluation of the hindlimbs was performed, and the euthanasia was made thirty days after the treatment. Spinal cords were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. RESULTS: Both therapies given 8 hours after the injury promoted the sensorimotor recovery after a week. Only the group treated after a week with mononuclear cells showed no significant recovery at post-injury day 14. In the days 21 and 28, all treatments promoted significant recovery. Histopathological analysis showed no difference among the experimental groups. Our results showed that both bone marrow-derived cell types promoted significant sensorimotor recovery after injury, and the treatment made at least a week after injury is efficient. CONCLUSION: The possibilities of therapy with bone marrow-derived cells are large, increasing the therapeutic arsenal for the treatment of spinal cord injury.

Subcolectomy and symphyseal distraction-osteotomy using a spacer of spirally fashioned orthopedic wire: a treatment option for cats with pelvic canal stenosis, megacolon and obstipation / Subcolectomia e distração da sínfise púbica com espaçador de fio ortopédico espiralado: uma opção de tratamento para gatos com estenose do canal pélvico, megacolon e obstipação

ABSTRACT: The use of two cerclages with wire spirals as distractor spacers was evaluated for the correction of pelvic stenosis in felines. A three-year-old, mixed-breed, male feline was taken to the Veterinary Hospital of the UFRJ. It presented symptoms of constipation, dyschezia, hyporexia and mild apathy. On radiographic examination, a deformation of the pelvic bones and a narrowing of the pelvic canal were detected. The patient underwent pelvic stenosis correction surgery. Two spirals were made with cerclage wire and 2.0-mm diameter Steinmann pins; coupled to the chuck of a drill, the pins were wrapped with cerclage wire, running laps around the pin. Then, the coils were positioned in the space formed by separating the hemipelves and stabilized by keeping them separated to the desired opening. Effectiveness of the technique was evidenced by measurements made using new radiographic images in comparison with the images obtained before the surgical procedure. There were evident decreases in the sacro-ischium line and pubic line of 3.98 and 3.18, demonstrating an increase of approximately 21% in the pelvic canal diameter. The animal showed no apparent macroscopic or radiographic reaction. The preliminary clinical application of the adapted pelvic distraction technique is relevant for allowing the appropriate correction of a stenosis of the pelvic girdle and its consequences, representing a major technical and scientific innovation in the correction.

RESUMO: Avaliou-se o uso de duas espirais confeccionadas com fio de cerclagem como preenchimento distrator para correção de estenose pélvica em felinos. Foi atendida no Hospital Veterinário da UFRJ um felino macho, sem raça definida com idade de 3 anos, apresentando sintomas de constipação, disquezia, hiporexia e apatia leve. Ao exame radiográfico, observou-se deformação de ossos da pelve com estreitamento do canal pélvico. O animal foi operado para correção da estenose pélvica. Foram confeccionados dois espirais com fio de cerclagem e um pino de Steinmann de 2,0mm de diâmetro acoplado ao mandril de uma perfuratriz, envolveu-se este pino com o fio de cerclagem, executando voltas ao redor do pino. Em seguida, os espirais foram posicionados no espaço formado pela separação das hemipelves, e estabilizados, mantendo-as separadas com a abertura desejada. A efetividade da técnica foi evidenciada por medições feitas através de novas imagens radiográficas, permitindo assim uma comparação com a imagem obtida anteriormente ao procedimento cirúrgico. A aplicação clínica da técnica é relevante por permitir que a correção apropriada da estenose da cintura pélvica e suas consequências representa uma importante inovação técnica e científica na correção dessa condição.

Ligation of the mesovarium in dogs with a self-locking implant of a resorbable polyglycolic based co-polymer: a study of feasibility and comparison to suture ligation.

BACKGROUND: Ligation of the mesovarium in female dogs may be cumbersome with risk of complications and is associated with intense noxious stimuli. A resorbable implant, a self-locking loop designed for surgery, was developed as an alternative to traditional ligation. The study aimed to test the feasibility of ligating the canine ovarian pedicle with the implant and to compare its performance to traditional suture ligation. RESULTS: In total 45 intact female dogs destined for elective ovariohysterectomy and adoption were included. In 21 dogs the new resorbable implant was used to ligate the mesovarium, and in 24 control dogs traditional suture was used with one encircling ligature. Mean weight of implant dogs was 10.7 ± 5.6 kg (range 3.5-22.0), and mean weight of control dogs was 12.8 ± 6.4 kg, (range 4.1-27.0). The body weight of dogs did not differ between groups (P = 0.25). In total, 42 ovarian pedicles were successfully ligated with the implant. In one control dog, intraoperative haemorrhage from the left ovarian pedicle was diagnosed. The mesovarium was re-ligated and haemostasis was confirmed. All dogs recovered uneventfully. The ligation time of the mesovarium was significantly shortened (P = 0.02) by using the self-locking implant versus a single ligature (3'28'' ± 1'05'' and 5'29'' ± 3'54'', respectively). Total duration of surgery differed between the groups (P = 0.02) with a shortened duration of surgery when using the self-locking implant (15'56'' ± 2'47'' and 20'39'' ± 8'58'', study group versus control group, respectively). In both groups, duration of surgery and time required to ligate the ovarian pedicle were longer in larger dogs than smaller dogs. CONCLUSION: The results of this feasibility study suggested the implant can be used to ligate the canine mesovarium. Compared with traditional suture ligation, the results suggested that time to ligate the ovarian pedicle and duration of surgery were significantly reduced with the implant. More time was required to perform surgeries in larger dogs.

Single-port unilateral transaxillary totally endoscopic thyroidectomy: A survival animal and cadaver feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Single-port unilateral axillary thyroidectomy has great potential to become a valid alternative technique for thyroid surgery. We tested the technique in a study on live animals and cadavers to evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board (IRB) approval was obtained in our university by the Council of Ethics for the study in surviving animals and cadavers. Subtotal thyroidectomy using unilateral axillary single port was performed in five dogs and five cadavers. Performing incision in the axillary fossa, a disposable single port was inserted. The dissection progressed for creating a subcutaneous tunnel to the subplatysmal region; after opening the platysma muscle and separation of the strap muscles, the thyroid gland was identified. After key anatomical landmarks were identified, the dissection was started at the upper pole towards the bottom, and to the isthmus. Specimens were extracted intact through the tunnel. Clinical and laboratorial observations of the experimental study in a 15-day follow-up and intraoperative data were documented. RESULTS: All surgeries were performed in five animals which survived 15 days without postoperative complications. In the surgeries successfully performed in five cadavers, anatomical landmarks were recognised and intraoperative dissection of recurrent nerves and parathyroid glands was performed. Mean operative time was 64 min (46-85 min) in animals and 123 min (110-140 min) in cadavers, with a good cosmetic outcome since the incision was situated in the axillary fold. CONCLUSION: The technique of single-port axillary unilateral thyroidectomy was feasible and reproducible in the cadavers and animal survival study, suggesting the procedure as an alternative to minimally invasive surgery of the neck.

Oxigenação extracorpórea por membrana em cães sem auxílio circulatório / Pumpless extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in dogs

A oxigenação extracorpórea por membrana com desvio arterio-venoso (AV-ECMO), em seres humanos, é uma técnica de suporte à vida capaz de assumir em parte ou totalmente as funções dos pulmões, quando estes já não são capazes de promover uma adequada hematose. Para conhecer a viabilidade deste método em cães (Canis familiaris), o presente estudo aplicou a AV-ECMO em dez indivíduos adultos, sem raça definida, com uma expectativa de três horas de duração para cada experimento. No grupo 1 (n=4), ventilação mecânica e infusão contínua de dopamina foram associadas ao suporte extracorpóreo. No grupo 2 (n=6), nenhuma medida de terapia intensiva foi instituída concomitantemente à AV-ECMO. O comportamento dos parâmetros de gasometria e os níveis de lactato foram avaliados a cada 10 minutos e 1 hora, respectivamente, por meio de da avaliação de amostras sanguíneas arteriais. O suporte inotrópico foi capaz de promover uma melhor perfusão tecidual com sangue oxigenado, sugerida pelos níveis de lactato e pressão arterial média mensurados, assim como a hemogasometria revelou melhores resultados quando a ventilação mecânica foi utilizada simultaneamente à AV-ECMO. Portanto, aplicada conjuntamente com suporte da terapia intensiva, a AV-ECMO é uma técnica viável para o uso em cães com falência respiratória, refratária aos tratamentos convencionais.

In humans, arteriovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (AV-ECMO) is a life support technique capable to assume in part or totally lungs functions, when these are not able to promote appropriated hematosis. To know the viability of this method in dogs (Canis familiaris), the present study applied AV-ECMO in ten adult mixed-breed dogs, with expected three hours of duration to each experiment. In Group 1 (n=4), mechanical ventilation and dopamine continuous infusion were associated with the extracorporeal support. In Group 2 (n=6), any other measure of intensive care was used concomitantly AV-ECMO. Blood gas analysis and lactate levels were evaluated every 10 minutes and one hour, respectively, from arterial blood samples. Inotropic support improved the blood flow through the circuit promoting a better tissue perfusion with oxygenated blood, suggested by the lactate and mean arterial pressure levels measured. Mechanical ventilation used simultaneously with AV-ECMO was able to further improve levels of blood gases. Therefore, if applied along intensive care support, AV-ECMO is a viable technique for use in dogs with respiratory failure refractory to conventional treatments.

Osteotomia de nivelamento do platô tibial no tratamento da ruptura do ligamento cruzado cranial estudo clínico em cães / Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy on the treatment cranial cruciate ligament rupture – clinic study in dogs

A ruptura do ligamento cruzado cranial (RLCC) é a causa comum de claudicação no membro pélvico em cães. Estudosrecentes demonstram que o ângulo de inclinação do platô tibial está associado à RLCC. A partir dessa descoberta,desenvolveu-se a técnica de osteotomia e nivelamento do platô tibial (TPLO). A técnica consiste na osteotomia, rotação eestabilização da porção proximal da tíbia, alterando a mecânica da articulação, neutralizando o impulso tibial cranial. Aproposta do presente estudo é revisar a técnica de TPLO, enfatizando o procedimento, técnica cirúrgica, cuidados pósoperatóriose complicações. O grupo estudado era composto de 40 cães. Dezessete pacientes apresentaram RLCC nomembro pélvico esquerdo e 23 no membro pélvico direito. Os ângulos do platô tibial variaram de 16o 36o. Trinta animais(75%) voltaram a apoiar o membro operado nos primeiros sete dias, enquanto seis animais (15%) apoiaram até o 15o dia,um animal (2,5%) apoiou até o 21o dia e outro (2,5%) até o 28o dia. Três animais (7,5%) apresentaram complicações pósoperatórias,sendo elas: deiscência de sutura, fratura tibial, falha no implante. A técnica de TPLO mostrou-se eficaz notratamento de cães com diferentes pesos com RLCC. O apoio precoce do membro afetado ocorreu na maioria dos animais.As complicações encontradas, que envolviam o procedimento cirúrgico, puderam ser corrigidas.

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) frequently causes hindlimb limping in dogs. Recent studies showed that tibial plateau angle shift is associated with CCLR. Based on this founding the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) technique was developed. It consists about osteotomy, rotation and stabilization of tibial proximal portion, which modify joint mechanics thus neutralizing tibial cranial thrust. The proposal of this study is to report a review of the TPLO procedure, emphasizing procedure, surgical technique, post operative care and complications. Fourty dogs presenting CCLR were submitted to surgery, seventeen with the left limb affected, 23 on the right. The tibial plateau angles before surgery varied from 16o to 36o. Thirty animals (75%) returned to limb normal use in a week; six animals (15%) were back to normal deambulation to the fifteenth day, one animal (2,5%) were back to normal deambulation to the 200 day other one before the 30o day. Three animals (7,5%) had surgical post-operatory complications, including suture descending, tibial fracture and implant failure. TPLO technique seemed appropriate for treatment of CCLR from dogs within a broad weight range. Early limb use occurred in most animals. Eventual problems arose from surgical procedure, and were promptly corrected.