A novel insertion technique for urinary catheters in female dogs with the use of a guidewire

Alternative non-oral nutrition in a rat model: a novel modified gastrostomy technique

The gastrostomy technique is essential for esophageal reconstruction using a scaffold. To date, there are no established methods to supply nutrients through a gastrostomy tube in rats. The purpose of this study was to analyze the feasibility of a newly modified gastrostomy technique for non-oral nutrition in an adult rat model. We modified the gastrostomy technique for adult rats in a few different ways. (1) The external opening for food injection was made at the midpoint between the ears to prevent damage due to self-harm behaviour. (2) An imbedded subcutaneous tunnel was created between the internal and external openings of the gastrostomy. We compared the efficacy and safety between groups with a T-tube for biliary drainage (TT group, n=14) and a conventional silicone Foley catheter (FC group, n=7) as optimal gastrostomy tubes for in a rat model. We also evaluated the feasibility of the heparin cap connector at the end of gastrostomy tube to control food supply in the TT group (with a cap, n=7; without a cap, n=7). No mortality was observed in the TT group with a cap, whereas most rats in the FC group died within 2 weeks after the procedure. Weight loss decreased significantly in the TT group with a cap compared with all the other groups. The appearance and attitude scores were significantly better in the TT group with a cap. In addition, histologic analysis showed that the TT group a cap showed a marked decrease over time in tissue fibrosis and macrophages compared with the other experimental groups. Therefore, gastrostomy using a silicone T-tube plugged with a cap proved to be a stable and effective option for non-oral feeding in an adult rat model.

A novel insertion technique for urinary catheters in female dogs with the use of a guidewire

BACKGROUND

Complicated transurethral urinary bladder catheterization in female dogs is a commonly encountered urologic problem, often causing inadvertent trauma to the lower urinary tract and breach in aseptic technique.

KEY CONCEPTS

A novel method for transurethral insertion of urinary catheters in female dogs is described. The main variation from current procedures involves the application of the Seldinger technique with the use of an introduction catheter that is specifically designed to feed into the urethra, and the use of a guidewire to replace the introducer with an indwelling balloon catheter.

SIGNIFICANCE

The technique presented offers a step-by-step approach that could improve success in urinary catheter placement. This modification may facilitate catheter insertion, be less traumatic, and offer better control of asepsis, especially with challenging urethral catheterization. The technique also offers an easy method to replace the catheter. Application of the technique may reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections as it addresses certain infection-related risk factors. Prospective validation studies are needed to support its advantages over current urinary catheter placement techniques.