The use of Amplatzer vascular plug II in 32 consecutive dogs for transvenous occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus

Transesophageal echocardiography using a microprobe for determination of transcatheter procedural candidacy, device selection, and procedural monitoring in small dogs with patent ductus arteriosus

INTRODUCTION

Small dogs with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) may be unable to undergo transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with traditional probes.

OBJECTIVES

To report the utility of TEE using a microprobe in dogs weighing less than 4 kg diagnosed with PDA for determination of transcatheter procedural candidacy, device selection, and intraoperative procedural guidance.

ANIMALS

Eight dogs weighing less than 4 kg diagnosed with PDA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All dogs had standard transthoracic echocardiography and microprobe TEE imaging. The quality of TEE images was graded as optimal, adequate, or poor. The ability of TEE to assess PDA anatomy, determine procedural candidacy, provide procedural guidance, detect deployed devices, and assess residual flow was recorded.

RESULTS

The median age of included dogs was 6.4 months (range: 3.2-15.7 months) and the median body weight was 2.2 kg (range: 1.4-3.8 kg). Microprobe TEE images were adequate or optimal in all dogs and were integral for guiding procedural candidacy decisions. Transcatheter procedures were not pursued in two dogs based on TEE images. In the other six dogs, TEE procedural guidance was useful during transvenous (n = 5) and transarterial (n = 1) PDA occlusion attempts. Each deployed device (n = 4) was easily detected with the TEE microprobe. Real-time confirmation of adequate device sizing and placement was possible prior to release and residual flow could be monitored after release.

CONCLUSIONS

Transesophageal echocardiography using a microprobe in dogs weighing less than 4 kg diagnosed with PDA allowed for characterization of PDA anatomy and determination of transcatheter procedural candidacy. Microprobe TEE images were integral for PDA device selection and offered valuable intraoperative procedural guidance.

Percutaneous shunt vessel embolisation with Amplatzer vascular plugs II and IV in the treatment of dogs with splenophrenic shunts: four cases (2019-2022)

OBJECTIVES

To describe the treatment of four dogs with splenophrenic shunts using percutaneous shunting vessel embolisation with Amplatzer vascular plugs II and IV and provide information on their clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dogs with splenophrenic shunts treated at a veterinary hospital from January 2019 to December 2022 were identified through a medical record search.

RESULTS

Six dogs with splenophrenic shunts were identified. Two dogs were excluded because they were treated with laparoscopic surgery. Four underwent percutaneous shunting vessel embolization with Amplatzer vascular plugs and were included in the case series. A sheath was placed in the left external jugular vein and a balloon catheter was advanced to the shunting vessel under fluoroscopy. Portal vein pressure was confirmed to be within an acceptable range during temporary balloon occlusion. Based on preoperative CT angiography and intraoperative contrast examination, Amplatzer vascular plugs II were selected for two dogs and IV were selected for two dogs. Under fluoroscopy, the plug was deployed into the shunting vessel, and angiography confirmed occlusion. In all cases, the increase in portal pressure after temporary occlusion was within the acceptable range, and complete occlusion of blood flow was possible with a single plug. There were no major procedure-related complications. No dogs developed post-ligation seizures or signs of portal hypertension. In addition, improvements in ammonia values were observed in all cases.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Percutaneous splenophrenic shunt embolisation using Amplatzer vascular plugs II and IV is technically feasible in dogs, and assessed by intra-procedure angiography, a single plug completely obstructed blood flow in all dogs. Based on the literature search, this is the first report describing Amplatzer vascular plugs for the treatment of splenophrenic shunts.

Transjugular Patent Ductus Arteriosus Occlusion in Seven Dogs Using the Amplatzer Vascular Plug II

Simple Summary

This study outlines the authors’ experience using the Amplatzer Vascular Plug II device for occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in dogs through a right transjugular approach, never before described in veterinary medicine for this purpose. The obtained results demonstrate that the use of the Amplatzer Vascular Plug II via a transvenous right jugular approach is a feasible and effective method, even in small-sized patients. The authors’ experience is that the transvenous approach is a safe and effective method for PDA occlusion in dogs. Furthermore, the right jugular approach provides easier and faster vascular access than the femoral one. The authors affirm that this approach, together with the properties of the Amplatzer Vascular Plug II and its wide size selection, potentially provide a novel method that can complement the current available methods for transcatheter PDA occlusion.

Abstract

Although vascular plugs for the closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) have been validated in dogs, studies are lacking on its use as a first-choice device with a transjugular approach. The present case series describes the transvenous right jugular embolization of PDA using an Amplatzer Vascular Plug II in seven dogs of different ages, breeds, and body weights. Complete closure of the PDA was demonstrated in all cases. All dogs showed significant hemodynamic reduction of pulmonary overcirculation and left heart size after the procedure and at following echocardiographic check-ups. Transjugular PDA occlusion using an Amplatzer Vascular Plug II can thus be considered as a safe alternative to the arterial or venous femoral approach using an Amplatzer canine ductal occluder (ACDO), particularly in puppies with small femoral vessels.