This video demonstrates the thoracoscopic correction of a vascular ring anomaly (due to a persistent right aortic arch, or PRAA) causing a megaoesophagus, in a young puppy, using 3mm human paediatric instruments.

The same minimally invasive techniques as are gold standard in human paediatric surgery, can equally be applied in veterinary patients. No chest drain was needed, and the patient made an uneventful recovery returning home the next day. The procedure is less invasive for the patient, resulting in much less post-operative pain, and minimal post-operative hospital care.

First published: Thu, Sep 16 2010