An Epidural Cooling Catheter Protects the Spinal Cord Against Ischemic Injury in Pigs

Epidural Cooling Minimizes Spinal Cord Injury after Aortic Cross-clamping through Induction of Nitric Oxide Synthase

“…Hind limb motor function was evaluated at 24 and 48 h after the ACC by using a modified Tarlov score (0 ϭ complete paralysis, 1 ϭ minimal movement, 2 ϭ standing with assistance, 3 ϭ standings alone but unable to walk, 4 ϭ weak walking, 5 ϭ full recovery with normal walking). 20, 21 After neurologic examination at 48 h, the animals were sacrificed with an overdose injection of sodium pentobarbital. Spinal cord was removed immediately and fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution.…”

Combined use of an epidural cooling catheter and systemic moderate hypothermia enhances spinal cord protection against ischemic injury in rabbits

“…In an experimental study in pigs, the cold epidural catheter protected the spinal cord against paraplegia without elevating intrathecal pressure. 6 Since the original design, we have incorporated a counter current lumen within the epidural cooling catheter, which permits percutaneous installation. This revised system also was protective against ischemic spinal cord injury.…”

Current strategies for spinal cord protection during thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair

“…To avoid such adverse effects, we developed a method of regional spinal cord cooling using an epidural catheter containing cold saline in its isolated countercurrent lumen, which enabled effective regional cooling without elevating CSF pressure. 48,49 We have applied this method clinically during surgery for thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. 50 Cardiovascular stability Patient stability is important for preventing paraplegia.…”