3D implantable and biocompatible device to hemostasis in veterinary surgery—cases on neutering felines

A frequent health and social procedure is neutering female dogs and cats, characterized by the removal of the ovary and/or uterus (ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy); this surgical procedure (spay) requires the clamp of the local blood vessels, aiming to prevent hemorrhage (hemostasis). Suture threads are widely used mainly due to their low cost, but more time to execute and post-surgical intercurrences can occur. The objective of this work was to develop a surgical biocompatible mechanical device produced with a 3D printer, aiming hemostasis.

Nylon polymer 3D-printed parts were designed and tested in vitro concerning of joining, fixing, sealing, and sterilization. After, in vivo tests were carried out for neutering female felines (n = 5), using the 3D device for vessels hemostasis and occlusion of the uterine lumen.

The females after surgery were clinically monitored by ultrasound and laboratory tests for 60 days, and no side effects were observed, not even surgical complications with the implant placement.

We concluded that the innovative 3D nylon device is potentially viable for animal surgeries aimed hemostasis.