Interventional Therapies

This chapter discusses the details of performing various procedures common to cardiology veterinary technicians. It then covers common procedures performed in the intensive care unit or cardiology treatment area. These procedures include: abdominocentesis, thoracocentesis, and pericardiocentesis. The chapter also covers the basic steps in performing the common cardiac catheterization procedures in veterinary medicine. The cardiac catheterization procedures include: occlusion of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with an Amplatz Canine Ductal Occluder (ACDO), balloon valvuloplasty in pulmonic stenosis, and permanent endocardial pacemaker implantation; all performed in the cardiac catheterization suite. Pacemaker implantation, PDA closure, and balloon valvuloplasty should be done with surgical sterility including full cap, mask, gown, and gloves. Sterile instrument packs, surgical drapes, and perioperative antibiotics are also needed, especially when a device such as a pacemaker or an ACDO is to be left in the patient's body.