A workflow was developed to enable 12+ hours of stable anesthesia in sheep for long-duration neurophysiology studies. A modified anesthetic protocol emphasizing hemodynamic stability, multimodal analgesia, and continuous physiologic monitoring was combined with a custom head-support system designed for comfortable, long-term cranial positioning. Animals were maintained in a padded recovery sling to preserve alignment, prevent pressure injuries, and allow safe intra-procedure adjustments. This approach supported uninterrupted neural access, consistent physiologic stability, and rapid post-procedure recovery, enabling timely assessment for neurologic issues. This integrated system establishes a feasible platform for extended large-animal neuro research.
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This presentation will describe a routine neurosurgical procedure that took an unexpected turn. We will walk through the case from the moment everything appeared normal to the point where the situation shifted unexpectedly, highlighting the subtle and not so subtle clues that signaled trouble. To establish context, the session will begin with an overview of the patient, the surgical plan, and the intraoperative environment. From there, we will outline the specific issue that arose, including the anesthetic indicators that suggested something was wrong. Audience participation will be encouraged as we pause to discuss the developing scenario, gather perspectives, and explore differential considerations in real time. Download Abstract