Perceptions of transcatheter device closure of patent ductus arteriosus in veterinary cardiology and evaluation of a canine model to simulate device placement: a preliminary study

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a canine patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) model developed for practicing device placement and to determine practices and perceptions regarding transcatheter closure of PDA from the veterinary cardiology community.

Method

A silicone model was developed from images obtained from a dog with a PDA and device placement was performed with catheter equipment and a document camera to simulate fluoroscopy. A total of 36 individuals including 24 diplomates and 12 residents participated, and the feedback was obtained. The study included an initial questionnaire, practice with the model, observation of device placement using the model, and a follow-up questionnaire.

Results

A total of 92% of participants including 100% of residents indicated they did not have the opportunity to practice device placement before performing the procedure and obtained knowledge of the procedure from reading journal articles or observation. Participants indicated selecting the appropriate device size (30/36, 83%) and ensuring the device is appropriately positioned before release (18/36, 50%) as the most common areas of difficulty with device placement. Confidence level was higher after practicing with the model for residents when compared with diplomates and for participants that had performed 1–15 procedures when compared with those that had performed >15 procedures. These findings suggest those that have performed fewer procedures may benefit the most from practicing with a model.

Conclusions

This preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility of a PDA model for practicing device placement and suggests that there is a potential benefit from providing additional training resources.