Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Minimally invasive brain biopsies in dogs and cats using 3D-printed
By Fert, Sabrina et al.·Published in American journal of veterinary research·2024·Neurology Department, France·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Using a three-dimensional-printed device with the patient's maxillary dental impression allows to perform minimally invasive brain biopsies in dogs and cats: a preliminary study.
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old dog and a cat, both diagnosed with brain lesions, underwent a new type of brain biopsy using a special 3D-printed device designed to minimize invasiveness. This innovative approach allowed veterinarians to take tissue samples from the brain safely and effectively. Out of the five pets treated, four received a clear diagnosis, including conditions like tumors and chronic inflammation, while one case was inconclusive but later identified as a low-grade tumor after the pet passed away. All pets recovered well and were sent home within 24 hours without any complications.
People also search for: dog brain biopsy procedure · cat brain tumor diagnosis · minimally invasive brain surgery for pets
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To develop an innovative process for stereotactic brain biopsies in dogs and cats that would provide a definitive diagnosis and optimize the management of patients with brain lesions. ANIMALS: 4 dogs and 1 cat diagnosed with 1 or more brain lesion(s) underwent brain biopsies between March 24, 2023, and October 25, 2023. METHODS: Based on trajectories selected on images of MRI and CT scan performed on each patient, a computerized software program was used to design a 3-D-printed patient-specific device with maxillary dental impression located on a baseplate to secure the patient's head and with insertion ports for the biopsy instrumentations located on a C-arm. As proof of concept, the device was successfully used in 2 cadavers before being used on clinical patients. All biopsy samples were submitted for histopathological examination. RESULTS: Histological diagnosis was obtained in 80% (4/5) of the cases (choroid plexus tumor, astrocytoma, meningioma, and chronic meningoencephalitis of unknown origin). In 1 patient, the results of biopsy were nondiagnostic; postmortem diagnosis was consistent with a low-grade oligodendroglioma. All the patients were discharged within 24 hours after the procedure without complications. This novel stereotactic system allows the surgeon to perform safe, easy-to-use, inexpensive, and minimally invasive precise brain biopsies in dogs and cats, without complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This unique technique could be applied to any size and type of skull and for any type of brain lesions and would provide diagnostic information that would be valuable for future treatment planning and prognosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38955214/