Use of Three-Dimensional Imaging Reconstruction Software as a Training Tool for Cranial Vena Cava Venipuncture in the Ferret

Summary

We propose that a three-dimensional virtual anatomy reconstructive software tool adds beneficial adjunctive training in teaching ferret cranial vena cava venipuncture to laboratory animal medicine trainees.

Abstract

At the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, three-dimensional (3D) virtual anatomy reconstructive software has been incorporated into the veterinary anatomy curriculum. With this teaching platform, students are exposed to learning opportunities beyond cadaver dissection and textbook resources. We propose that this 3D anatomy tool can serve as a beneficial adjunctive training aid in teaching laboratory animal personnel technical skills, specifically cranial vena cava (CVC) venipuncture in ferrets. The CVC is one of the preferred sites for a large blood volume collection in the ferret. Though an overall relatively safe technique for collecting blood, the risks of this blind approach include limited ability to hold off the vein after venipuncture and accidental damage to surrounding structures. In this pilot project, 5 lab animal staff trainees were exposed to 3D reconstructed ferret thoracic images and videos in conjunction with verbal instruction to perform cranial vena cava venipuncture in the ferret. The success of the approach was evaluated based on the trainees' ability to correctly angle the needle and syringe, insert the needle at the appropriate location, and collect blood from the site. Of the 5 trainees, 5 (100%) mastered the vertical angle of the needle, 4 (80%) mastered the horizontal angle of the needle, 5 (100%) correctly identified the manubrium as a landmark for insertion, and 2 (40%) successfully collected blood within two attempts of using this approach. As trainees were able to accomplish many key criteria for success, we conclude that the training was successful in providing key anatomic landmarks and spatial awareness necessary for CVC blood collection in the ferret. Beyond the scope of ferret venipuncture, 3D reconstructed images have a potential role in demonstrating surgical techniques and approaches for various clinical skills in veterinary medicine.

Introduction

We proposed that adding 3D reconstructed cervical and thoracic images and videos of a ferret to our standard training procedures would aid lab animal personnel in visualizing the relevant anatomy to help them master the positioning and landmarks necessary to perform cranial vena cava (CVC) venipuncture in the ferret. To that end, we conducted routine training with five laboratory animal staff members who work with ferrets. During this training, we piloted the addition of the 3D reconstruction images, observing staff success after training in the areas of positioning the syringe and needle in the vertical and horizontal planes, identifying a major anatomic landmark, an....

Protocol

The protocol for the use of ferrets in this study was approved by the UGA Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. The UGA animal care and use program holds an Animal Welfare Assurance with the NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, has a research registration with the USDA, and is fully accredited by AAALAC International.

The ferrets were housed in designated animal quarters in open caging with ad libitum access to a high-density ferret diet (Table of Materials) and auto-watering (tap water). Lights were maintained on an automated 12:12 light:dark cycle, temperature set-point at 68 +/- 4 ^oF, and relative h....

Results

The 3D reconstructed ferret CT videos and images depict the anatomical structures that are associated with the CVC at various planes and provide a comprehensive understanding of the anatomical layout of the cranial thorax. The associated structures, such as the manubrium, sternum, ribs, muscles of the thoracic wall, heart, external jugular vein, subclavian vein, and CVC, are clearly labeled in Figure 1. The location for needle insertion is depicted in Figure 5. .......

Discussion

This pilot study was designed to determine if adding 3D images and videos to our routine training procedures held promise for future use. This initial trial was designed to qualitatively observe and report our findings if future use and study appeared warranted. The focus of determining success was based on teaching the relevant anatomy landmarks for the CVC blood collection technique in the ferret to staff members familiar with ferrets and whose job assignments were likely to need this skill. In the highly regulated env.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
BodyViz	BodyViz, Clive, IA	N/A	Easy-to-Use 3D Anatamy Learning Platform
LabDiet 5L14	University of Georgia, Athens, GA	N/A	Ferret Diet