Experience with video‐assisted thoracoscopic placement of pectus excavatum splints in kittens: six cases

OBJECTIVES: This case series aims to describe the use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for the treatment of pectus excavatum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six male, intact kittens, with a median age of 3.3 months (range, 2.5 to 4 months) and median weight of 1.75 kg (range, 0.44 to 2 kg), were presented to one of two referral institutions for evaluation of a concave sternal deformity. On presentation the kittens were found to have radiographically moderate (n = 3) to severe (n = 3) pectus excavatum of the caudal sternum with mild to moderate respiratory signs reported at home. Surgical correction included the use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery to facilitate external sternal splint placement. Use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery allowed for direct visualisation of needle passage to place the circumsternal sutures, potentially reducing the risk of complications given the proximity of intrathoracic vasculature and organs. RESULTS: All patients recovered from anaesthesia uneventfully, and post-operative thoracic radiographs revealed reduction in sternal concavity and increase in thoracic height at the level of the original deformities. One cat suffered respiratory arrest 36 hours post-operatively for unknown reasons. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery-assisted external splint placement for pectus excavatum may help reduce intraoperative risks associated with pectus excavatum repair, though additional research is warranted.