First case report of patent ductus arteriosus occlusion with titanium endoclip in a cat

During embryogenesis period, the ductus arteriosus originates from the sixth left aortic arch, acting as a vascular connection between the pulmonary artery and the descending aorta. After birth, the functional ductus arteriosus persistence characterizes the anomaly Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), which is an unusual condition in cats. At first, as a result of this anomaly, volume overload is observed in the left atrium and ventricle, which according to the chronicity of the disease and the duct diameter, can impair lung function and even reverse the feeling of blood flow through the shunt. Case summary: A mongrel female feline was referred for the surgical sector of the Animal Experimentation Unit at UENF, presenting diagnosis of PDA. During the clinical examination the mucous membranes were normal colored, heart rate considered normal, but with the presence of systolic murmur III / VI, more audible in the left hemithorax region. The surgical procedure was performed by thoracotomy in the fourth intercostal space, identifying the PDA and performing the occlusion of the duct with vascular titanium clip. Relevance and novel information: The present study describes the first case report of a vascular titanium clip occlusion in PDA, which is an uncommon anomaly in the specie. A left lateral thoracotomy approach was performed. The use of a vascular titanium clip is a technique that requires little dissection during the surgery, reducing complication risks in the postoperative. The procedure was successfully performed without complications and minimal bleeding. Key-words: congenital heart disease, shunt, surgery, feline, thorax.