Walker et al: Evaluation of a patient‐specific 3D‐printed guide for ventral slot surgery in dogs: An ex vivo study
Veterinary Surgery 3, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

Design: Ex vivo cadaver study (n=8 dogs, 24 sites)
Comparison: Freehand vs. 3D-printed drill guide-assisted ventral slot (GAVS vs FHVS)
Findings:

GAVS produced slots not significantly different from planned dimensions (p = .722–.875)
FHVS produced significantly shorter slots than intended (p < .01)
No difference in surgical time (p = .071)
Shape ratio and slot divergence from midline were similar between groups (p > .4)
Use of guide significantly reduced variability in slot position (63% → 29%), shape (65% → 24%), and divergence (54% → 50%)

Conclusion: 3D-printed guides improved accuracy and consistency of ventral slot creation by novice surgeons; supports future evaluation in live dogs and small breeds

Evaluation of a patient‐specific 3D‐printed guide for ventral slot surgery in dogs: An ex vivo study

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Walker et al: Evaluation of a patient‐specific 3D‐printed guide for ventral slot surgery in dogs: An ex vivo study
Veterinary Surgery 3, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

Design: Ex vivo cadaver study (n=8 dogs, 24 sites)
Comparison: Freehand vs. 3D-printed drill guide-assisted ventral slot (GAVS vs FHVS)
Findings:

GAVS produced slots not significantly different from planned dimensions (p = .722–.875)
FHVS produced significantly shorter slots than intended (p < .01)
No difference in surgical time (p = .071)
Shape ratio and slot divergence from midline were similar between groups (p > .4)
Use of guide significantly reduced variability in slot position (63% → 29%), shape (65% → 24%), and divergence (54% → 50%)

Conclusion: 3D-printed guides improved accuracy and consistency of ventral slot creation by novice surgeons; supports future evaluation in live dogs and small breeds

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Walker 2025 et al., on ventral slot guides, which surgeon experience level performed all procedures?

A. Board-certified surgeon

B. Third-year resident

C. Intern

D. Novice surgery resident

E. Multiple rotating residents

Answer: Novice surgery resident

Explanation: All ventral slots were performed by a single novice resident to assess usability of the guide.

In Walker 2025 et al., on ventral slot guides, what was observed regarding surgical time between freehand and guided slots?

A. Guided slots were significantly faster

B. Guided slots took significantly longer

C. Freehand slots took significantly longer

D. No significant difference in time

E. Time was not recorded

Answer: No significant difference in time

Explanation: Surgical time was similar between groups (p = .071).

In Walker 2025 et al., on ventral slot guides, which of the following was NOT significantly improved with guide use?

A. Slot length accuracy

B. Slot shape consistency

C. Slot position variability

D. Slot divergence from midline

E. Surgical precision

Answer: Slot divergence from midline

Explanation: Slot divergence variability was only modestly reduced (54% to 50%, p = .463).

In Walker 2025 et al., on ventral slot guides, what was the impact on slot position variability when using the 3D guide?

A. No change

B. Varied by site

C. Reduced from 63% to 29%

D. Increased due to learning curve

E. Reduced from 54% to 50%

Answer: Reduced from 63% to 29%

Explanation: Use of the guide cut variability in slot position by more than half.

In Walker 2025 et al., on ventral slot guides, what slot dimension was significantly more accurate with guide use?

A. Slot depth

B. Slot shape

C. Slot length

D. Slot trajectory

E. Slot diameter

Answer: Slot length

Explanation: Guided slots were significantly closer to the intended length compared to freehand (p < .01 vs p = .722).

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Walker et al: Evaluation of a patient‐specific 3D‐printed guide for ventral slot surgery in dogs: An ex vivo study Veterinary Surgery 3, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

Simini Surgery Review Podcast

Walker et al: Evaluation of a patient‐specific 3D‐printed guide for ventral slot surgery in dogs: An ex vivo study Veterinary Surgery 3, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

Simini Surgery Review Podcast

Multiple Choice Questions on this study

Elevate Your Infection Control Protocol

Review More Key Summaries from this Veterinary Surgery Journal Issue

Walker et al: Evaluation of a patient‐specific 3D‐printed guide for ventral slot surgery in dogs: An ex vivo study
Veterinary Surgery 3, 2025

Walker et al: Evaluation of a patient‐specific 3D‐printed guide for ventral slot surgery in dogs: An ex vivo study
Veterinary Surgery 3, 2025