title: Percutaneous ultrasound-guided trans-splenic catheterization of the portal vein in the dog.
abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to develop a safe and reliable technique for percutaneous catheterization of the portal vein via a major splenic vein using ultrasound guidance. Three separate catheter systems were evaluated on five anesthetized dogs. At least five attempts at catheterization of the splenic vein and subsequently the portal vein were attempted on each animal. Following the procedure the dogs were necropsied to assess for intrasplenic and intraabdominal hemorrhage. A technique using an introducer system and a large catheter was not successful on seven attempts. A technique using an over the needle catheter was successful in gaining access to the splenic vein on two out of five attempts; however the catheter could not be advanced into the portal vein. A technique utilizing 19 or 17 gauge needles with 22 or 19 catheter through-the-needle-catheters was successful in catheterization of the splenic vein and advancement to the portal vein on twelve of fifteen attempts. The smaller gauge needle and catheter system provided for easier access to the splenic vein and subsequent catheter manipulation facilitating access to the portal circulation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, 95616, USA.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Herrgesell
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Hornof
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Koblik
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs; D009339:Needles; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013162:Splenic Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography