Clinical studies on patient safety
Current research on perioperative safety and monitoring.
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Clinical
Competence Center
Why patient safety matters
Perioperative complications are a major risk in veterinary anesthesia.
Clinical studies show that structured monitoring enables early detection of critical changes.
The Incidence of Hypoxemia in Dogs Recovering from General Anesthesia
Piemontese C. et al. · Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
This study showed that hypoxemia is relatively common during the recovery phase after general anesthesia. Pulse oximetry proved to be a reliable method for the early detection of critical oxygen saturations. The results underscore the importance of continuous monitoring, even during the recovery phase.
Reference / Source
Piemontese C. et al. (2024)
Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
PubMed
2024
Latest study
2024
Anesthetic Mortality in Dogs: A Worldwide Analysis and Risk Model
Redondo J et al. · Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
This international analysis identified key risk factors for anesthesia-associated deaths in dogs. Preoperative stabilization and intra- and postoperative monitoring were particularly relevant. The study emphasizes the crucial role of standardized monitoring protocols in improving patient safety.
Reference / Source
Redondo J. et al. (2024)
Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
PubMed.
2023
Peri-Anesthetic Cardiac Arrest and Mortality in Dogs and Cats
Varkoulis K et al. · Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
The study investigated cardiac arrest and mortality during veterinary anesthesia. Many critical events were associated with hemodynamic or respiratory changes. Continuous monitoring allows for the early detection of these changes.
Reference / Source
Varkoulis K. et al. (2023)
Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
PubMed.
2020
Association Between Cardiac Troponin I and Clinically Relevant Arrhythmias in Dogs After Trauma. Biddick T. et al. · Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care
The study analyzed traumatized dogs and investigated the relationship between cardiac biomarkers and arrhythmias. Normal ECG and troponin levels showed a high negative predictive value for relevant arrhythmias. Early cardiovascular monitoring can help identify at-risk patients more quickly.
Reference / Source
Biddick T. et al. (2020)
Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care
PubMed.
2012
Risk of Anesthetic Mortality in Dogs and Cats: An Observational Cohort Study. Bille C. et al. · Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
This prospective cohort study investigated anesthesia-associated mortality in clinical practice. Several factors, such as patient condition and perioperative monitoring, significantly influenced the risk. The study underscores the importance of structured monitoring strategies.
Reference / Source
Bille C. et al. (2012)
Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-2995.2011.00662.x
2008
The Risk of Death: The Confidential Inquiry into Perioperative Small Animal Fatalities (CEPSAF). Brodbelt D. et al. · Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
This large-scale, multicenter study analyzed over 180,000 anesthetics administered to small animals. The results showed that anesthesia-related mortality is higher than in human medicine and that many complications occur postoperatively. The study is considered one of the most important works on patient safety in veterinary anesthesia.
Reference / Source
Brodbelt D. et al. (2008)
Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-2995.2008.00397.x
PubMed
2007
Risk Factors for Anesthesia-Related Death in Cats. Brodbelt D. et al. · Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
This study investigated risk factors for anesthesia-associated deaths in cats. Pulse oximetry and structured monitoring were associated with lower mortality rates. The results highlight the benefit of continuous physiological monitoring during anesthesia.
Reference / Source
Brodbelt D. et al. (2007)
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfms.2007.07.009
PubMed
Further veterinary-specific diagnostic and monitoring studies
Blood pressure studies
Clinical studies on SpO₂ measurement
Studies on extended hemodynamics
Studies on ECG & heart rhythm