Oh Sheep! Improved Methods in Neuro-anesthesia and Neurosurgical Techniques in Sheep

Presenter: Jay Budrewicz, CBSET Introduction: To have a neurological exclusion removed from a medical device, it must be evaluated in an appropriate animal model. There are appropriate preclinical ovine models for this type of study due their similarities in size and structure to the human neurological organs. Adverse local tissue effects and post operative bleeding following treatment with the test, control and sham treatment can cause complications that must be managed and documented. Methods will be described for ovine recovery post-operative care, neurological exams, physical therapy, and pain management during neurological exclusion studies. Methods: Following surgery, animals are transferred to a [...]

Presenter: Darcy Gagne, Becton Dickinson – Interventional Surgery Introduction: After receiving a request to demonstrate safety and efficacy for a device to come into contact with neurologic tissues, much thought in the design is necessary for maximum clinical relevance.   The model includes a partial dorsal laminectomy with durotomy and another of craniectomy with durectomy and intraparenchymal injury before treatment with a device.  This enables the ability to demonstrate safety and efficacy both acutely and chronically in two spaces. Materials & Methods: With request from Regulatory bodies to demonstrate acute and chronic safety and efficacy, it was determined the most clinically relevant [...]

Presenter: Vince Mendenhall, DVM, PhD, Preclinical Consulting LLC Abstract: Documentation regarding complications after laminectomy in sheep is scarce but not so in humans. Prior to improvements in anesthetic management, neurologic deficits following laminectomy ranged from ~52% of a minor nature to ~11% major, mostly due to swelling. Before similar methods were adopted in sheep, this rate was higher likely due to their tendency to “third space”. A laminectomy has a higher rate of potential complications simply due to swelling and the sensitivity of the spinal cord to even slight external pressure. The goal must be to decrease the bulk of the [...]

Presenter: Daniel Turner, CBSET, Inc. Introduction: We do not often discuss or present on the intricacies of working with ruminants in a surgical research setting. These animals can be difficult to handle, and even more difficult to get into proper position to ensure the success of the animal’s surgery and recovery. This portion of the larger sheep track will act as general guidance for preparation as well as give some more in-depth suggestions on specific procedure positioning of these animals. Methods: When it comes to preparation of our patients for surgery and their positioning on the surgical table, we often follow [...]