Design of a nasopharyngeal tamponade device in canine cadavers.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of an improvised tamponade device allowing direct pressure to be applied to the canine nasopharynx.

Design: Proof-of-concept study using 8 canine cadavers.

Methods and results: A tamponade device was made by placing a condom over a nasogastric tube and suturing it to match the length of the nasopharynx. The device was placed in the nasopharynx of canine cadavers via the nares and filled with diluted ioversol. Placement was then confirmed with radiography or computed tomography. Concentrated ioversol was infused into the rostral nasal cavity to assess for a nasopharyngeal seal, defined as no ioversol passing the device seen on imaging. Subjective assessment of adequate nasopharyngeal compression via digital palpation of the soft palate agreed with imaging findings. Repositioning was required in several cases, but with digital palpation, initial placement was more accurate. Subsequent effective placement and a nasopharyngeal seal were achieved in all 8 cadavers.

Conclusion: This device can be placed in the canine nasopharynx, and an adequate nasopharyngeal seal can be achieved, allowing direct compression of the nasopharynx and filling of the nasal cavity with solution. Confirmation of placement was successful with digital palpation and imaging. Further studies are required to investigate the use of this device in live patients.