Vascular ultrasound studies for the non-invasive assessment of vascular flow and patency in experimental surgery in the pig

Lab Anim. 2009 Oct;43(4):333-7. doi: 10.1258/la.2009.0080030. Epub 2009 Jun 8.

Abstract

Vascular ultrasound is a reliable non-invasive tool used for the routine assessment of vascular flow and patency in human recipients. We describe the use at three different time points (immediately, 1 week and 4 weeks postsurgery) of ultrasound studies and its validation by angiographic studies in 37 swine undergoing carotid graft replacement. We calculated predictive values (>92%), sensitivity (>85%) and specificity (>92%) with high results at all time points. Ultrasound appeared as an accessible non-invasive technique, providing rapid, safe, repeatable and reliable results. It is an excellent alternative to angiography, avoiding risks inherent to invasive methods and therefore contributing to animal welfare.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis / veterinary
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / veterinary
  • Carotid Arteries / pathology
  • Carotid Arteries / surgery
  • Female
  • Graft Occlusion, Vascular / diagnostic imaging
  • Graft Occlusion, Vascular / veterinary*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / veterinary
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / veterinary*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prospective Studies
  • Regional Blood Flow / physiology*
  • Surgery, Veterinary / methods*
  • Swine
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler / veterinary*
  • Vascular Patency / physiology*