Abstract
BackgroundNeuroscience studies with macaque monkeys may require cranial implants to stabilize the head or gain access to the brain for scientific purposes. Wound management that promotes healing after the cranial implant surgery in non-human primates can be difficult as it is not necessarily possible to cover the wound margins. New methodHere, we developed an easily modifiable head cap that protects the sutured skin margins after cranial implant surgery and contributes to wound healing. The protective head cap was developed in response to monkeys picking at sutured skin margins around an implant, complicating healing. The user-friendly protective cap, made from Klarity- R™ Sheet (3.2 mm thick with 36 % or 42 % perforation) is affixed to the implant post-surgically. Once secured and while the monkey is still anesthetized, the plastic sheeting is molded around the implant. The protective head cap restricts the monkey’s finger access to its’ wound margins while allowing air to circulate to promote wound healing. Results and comparison with existing methodsAcross two UK primate facilities, the protective head cap promoted wound healing. In monkeys that did not wear the head cap, re-suturing was necessary in ∼30 % of cases. In contrast, none of the monkeys that wore the head cap required re-suturing. The monkeys wearing the head cap also had reduced numbers of days of prescribed antibiotics and analgesia. ConclusionThis bespoken, easily adaptable, protective head cap supports postoperative wound healing, and enhances the welfare of monkeys involved in neuroscience research.
Highlights
Macaque neuroscience research remains essential in endeavours to model and understand human complex behavior and the brain, providing indispensable insights into function, dysfunction, disease states, and treatment strategies (Phillips et al, 2014; Roelfsema and Treue, 2014; SCHEER report, 2017; Friedman et al, 2017; Mitchell et al, 2018)
The results show that monkeys that wore the protective head cap during their postoperative recovery period had reduced wound dehiscence resulting in fewer re-suturing proced ures, and reduced numbers of days that they were prescribed antibiotics and analgesia compared with monkeys that had recovered from their cranial implant surgery prior to the development of the protective head cap
We collated the data from the 22 monkeys involved in 29 proced ures from the two institutions
Summary
Macaque neuroscience research remains essential in endeavours to model and understand human complex behavior and the brain, providing indispensable insights into function, dysfunction, disease states, and treatment strategies (Phillips et al, 2014; Roelfsema and Treue, 2014; SCHEER report, 2017; Friedman et al, 2017; Mitchell et al, 2018). In all cases with percutaneous chronic implants, skin margins are sutured closed and heal by primary intention. In addi tion, larger implants may require relief incisions in the scalp, which are sutured closed following the surgery and heal by primary intention. Wound management that promotes healing after the cranial implant surgery in non-human primates can be difficult as it is not necessarily possible to cover the wound margins. New method: Here, we developed an modifiable head cap that protects the sutured skin margins after cranial implant surgery and contributes to wound healing. The protective head cap was developed in response to monkeys picking at sutured skin margins around an implant, complicating healing. Conclusion: This bespoken, adaptable, protective head cap supports postoperative wound healing, and enhances the welfare of monkeys involved in neuroscience research
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
