First Recorded use of Deltex Technology in Gorillas
Most powerful haemodynamic monitoring system meets most powerful primate:
The veterinary community has historically benefitted from advances in technologies that have been developed for the human population. Here’s a wonderful example of how proactive veterinarians have applied the uniquely suited Deltex haemodynamic monitoring technology to enhance the surgical outcome from procedures on a particularly challenging species.
In what is thought to be a world first, Deltex Medical is excited to report the first recorded use of its Esophageal Doppler Monitoring (EDM+) system in Gorillas. Deltex’s EDM+ was used to guide goal-directed cardiovascular optimisation in two anaesthetised Western Lowland Gorillas. The article was published in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia (VAA) here.
Clinical evidence positions the EDM+ as the technological “gold standard” in haemodynamic monitoring. The system derives haemodynamic data by measuring central blood flow directly from the descending aorta. This makes it uniquely effective across a range of species in which competing technologies would not apply. Indeed, during the past few years, veterinarians worldwide have increasingly embraced this device for surgeries on different animals of different sizes. The new article, a letter in VAA, describes the use of the EDM+ in two Gorillas anaesthetised for dental examinations and treatments. A brief yet truly remarkable video captured a veterinary anaesthesiologist utilising the EDM+ in an adult gorilla.
According to the authors; “In gorillas, fibrosis cardiomyopathy is characterised by left ventricular hypertrophy, reduced end-diastolic volume, ventricular compliance and cardiac output. Therefore, advanced cardiovascular monitoring may help minimise anaesthesia-related morbidity and mortality.”
According to authors, Drs Diego A. Portela and Enzo Vettorato, board-certified anaesthesiologists at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida; ‘Clinical situations, such as those involving gorillas, where vasopressors may elevate arterial blood pressure while leading to a decrease in cardiac performance, emphasize the potential significance of this monitor. In comparison to monitoring systemic arterial blood pressure alone, the EDM+ has the capacity to offer a more comprehensive understanding of cardiovascular performance, responses to treatments, and goal-directed management. This highlights its valuable role in enhancing the assessment and management of complex clinical scenarios.’
Deltex’s CEO Andy Mears comments; “The EDM has been used on animals as small as rats, but this is definitely the largest to date. It’s wonderful to hear how clinicians of all types are empowered by the accuracy and real-time nature of EDM’s information. Furthermore, it all adds to the body of experience that supports this leading technology.”
