New Research Shows Ovarian Pedicle Tie Safe in Feline Spay Surgery
Pedicle Tie Research Findings
Historically, veterinarians in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) clinics use the ovarian pedicle tie (OPT) for ovariohysterectomy (OVH) in female cats.
Recent ASPCA research found OPT:
- Is as safe and possibly safer than traditional OVH using sutures with a comparable risk of hemorrhaging (only 9 of 15,927 cats—0.12%—experienced a pedicle-related hemorrhage, and all were corrected intraoperatively without serious complication or death)
- Is 30% faster when compared to the traditional OVH, allowing you to do more spays or perform other patient care
- Has potential health benefits to the animal by reducing anesthetic time and its associated risk
- Potentially lowers the risk of patient complications from foreign bodies (sutures)
- Requires no special equipment
- Relies on a tie that many veterinarians are already familiar with from neutering male cats and male puppies
How to Perform an Ovarian Pedicle Tie (OPT)
The OPT is an efficient autoligation technique exclusively performed on the ovarian pedicle in feline spays as an alternative to ligation with suture. It’s performed in a similar manner as autoligation of the male feline cord. Based on the promising research findings noted above, the ASPCA recommends that general veterinary practices consider its use.
OPT How-To Videos
OPT One-Pager
The data presented in this study provide strong support for a technique that has been used for decades by some spay-neuter surgeons. The pedicle tie is a simple technique that is efficient, atraumatic, highly effective, and safe. It’s time for all veterinarians to learn this valuable time-saving technique.
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