Frequently Asked Questions

About VetOvation

VetOvation is a veterinary surgical equipment company founded in 2013 that partners with leading human medical device companies to bring proven, innovative surgical technologies to the veterinary market. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, VetOvation serves over 2,500 veterinary facilities across seven countries and three continents, providing laparoscopy, endoscopy, orthopedic instruments, vessel sealing, electrosurgery, sterilization equipment, and hands-on clinical training.

VetOvation was founded in 2013 by Les Meadowcroft, who has over 22 years of experience introducing minimally invasive surgical technologies in human medicine, including work with Johnson & Johnson and Intuitive Surgical on laparoscopy, vessel sealing, and surgical robotics. Les founded VetOvation after recognizing that the same life-saving minimally invasive techniques standard in human medicine were not readily available for veterinary patients.

VetOvation distinguishes itself in three key ways:

  • Human-grade technology: They partner directly with leading human medical device companies to adapt gold-standard surgical technologies for veterinary use.
  • Deep industry expertise: Their clinical leadership team each brings 25+ years of experience from companies like Johnson & Johnson, Intuitive Surgical, and Boston Scientific.
  • Training-first approach: VetOvation provides hands-on clinical training and ongoing support—not just equipment sales—led by experienced veterinary surgeons and clinical consultants.

VetOvation is headquartered in Raleigh, NC. The company serves veterinary facilities throughout the United States and internationally across more than seven countries and three continents.

Over 2,500 veterinary hospitals in the United States and globally use VetOvation equipment. These facilities span general practices, specialty hospitals, and equine veterinary clinics across more than seven countries and three continents.

Yes! VetOvation partners with leading human medical device companies to adapt their proven, gold-standard technologies for the veterinary market. This means veterinary practices get access to the same caliber of surgical equipment used in human hospitals—engineered for reliability, precision, and performance—at price points designed specifically for veterinary practices.

Products & Equipment

VetOvation offers a comprehensive range of veterinary surgical equipment across 12 product categories:

  • Laparoscopy – complete systems, instruments, trocars, and accessories
  • Endoscopy – flexible systems, scopes (including semi-disposable), instruments, and accessories
  • Portable Scope Systems – video otoscopes for ear, nose, and intubation
  • Arthroscopy – diagnostic and therapeutic joint surgery systems
  • Orthopedic Power Equipment – battery-powered, pneumatic, and electric instruments
  • Orthopedic Implants – TPLO plating systems and fracture plating systems
  • Orthopedic Instruments – hand instruments for orthopedic procedures
  • Vessel Sealing – bipolar energy sealing devices
  • Electrosurgery – advanced electrosurgical units
  • Sterilization – hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization systems
  • Equine Surgery – laparoscopic trocars and instruments for horses
  • Surgical Accessories – complementary tools and supplies

Yes. VetOvation offers complete flexible endoscopy systems including scopes (with semi-disposable options), instruments, and accessories. Their endoscopy product line supports gastrointestinal endoscopy, bronchoscopy, rhinoscopy, and other diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures in veterinary patients.

A vessel sealing system is an advanced electrosurgical device that uses bipolar energy and pressure to permanently seal blood vessels and tissue bundles up to 7mm in diameter. In veterinary surgery, vessel sealers like the Voyant & Caiman® systems are used during spays, organ removals, tumor excisions, and laparoscopic procedures to reduce blood loss, surgical time, and reliance on suture ligatures. Vessel sealing is faster and more consistent than traditional ligation techniques.

A video otoscope is a portable scope system that provides high-definition video visualization of the ear canal, nasal passages, and airway. In veterinary practice, video otoscopes are used for diagnosing and treating ear infections, removing foreign bodies, performing myringotomies, evaluating nasal disease, and assisting with difficult intubations. VetOvation’s portable scope systems offer enhanced visualization compared to traditional handheld otoscopes, improving diagnostic accuracy and enabling minimally invasive treatment.

Electrosurgery in veterinary medicine uses high-frequency electrical current to cut tissue, coagulate blood vessels, and achieve hemostasis during surgical procedures. Modern electrosurgical units (ESUs) offer precise control over energy delivery, reducing thermal damage to surrounding tissues. VetOvation offers electrosurgery units designed for veterinary use, supporting procedures from routine soft tissue surgery to complex specialized operations.

Yes. VetOvation offers equine-specific surgical equipment including laparoscopic trocars, laparoscopic & endoscopic instruments, and vessel sealing systems designed for equine procedures. Common equine applications include laparoscopic cryptorchid resection, ovariectomy, and other minimally invasive abdominal procedures for horses.

Yes. VetOvation’s product range is designed to support both small animal and large animal (including equine) surgery. Their laparoscopy, endoscopy, vessel sealing, and orthopedic product lines serve general practices, specialty hospitals, and equine facilities. Dedicated equine instruments and trocars are available for large animal applications.

Yes. VetOvation provides downloadable product brochures and user manuals on their website. These resources cover the full range of surgical equipment and include product specifications, features, and clinical applications to help practices evaluate equipment options.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in veterinary medicine uses small incisions (typically around 5mm) and specialized instruments—such as laparoscopes and endoscopes—to perform surgical procedures with enhanced visualization. Compared to traditional open surgery, MIS offers:

  • Smaller incisions and reduced scarring
  • Significantly reduced tissue trauma
  • Less post-operative pain
  • Faster patient recovery
  • Improved visualization for the surgeon

Common veterinary MIS procedures include laparoscopic spays, gastropexies, organ biopsies, and cryptorchid resections.

Veterinary laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a camera and specialized instruments inserted through small incisions to perform abdominal procedures. Practices should consider adopting laparoscopy because it:

  • Improves patient outcomes with less pain and faster recovery
  • Differentiates your practice from competitors
  • Attracts new referrals and clients seeking advanced care
  • Has already become the standard of care in human medicine
  • Demonstrates your commitment to advanced veterinary medicine

VetOvation provides complete laparoscopy systems, instruments, trocars, and training to help practices adopt this technology.

Yes. With proper training and equipment, general practice veterinarians can perform laparoscopic procedures such as spays, gastropexies, and organ biopsies. VetOvation specializes in helping general practitioners adopt minimally invasive techniques through comprehensive equipment packages and hands-on training led by experienced veterinary surgeons and clinical consultants. Many VetOvation customers are general practice veterinarians who have successfully integrated laparoscopy into their standard surgical workflow.

Laparoscopic spays offer several significant advantages over traditional open spays:

  • Smaller incisions: Typically two to three 5mm incisions versus a larger abdominal incision
  • Less pain: Up to 65% less post-operative pain according to published studies
  • Faster recovery: Patients return to normal activity sooner
  • Reduced complications: Lower risk of hemorrhage and infection
  • Better visualization: Enhanced view of the ovaries and surrounding structures
  • Concurrent procedures: Ability to perform prophylactic gastropexy at the same time

These benefits make laparoscopic spays a compelling offering for practices looking to differentiate their services and attract pet owners seeking the best care.

A laparoscopic gastropexy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that tacks the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat—a life-threatening emergency in deep-chested dog breeds like Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Standard Poodles.

Performed through small incisions with reduced surgical time and faster recovery compared to open surgery, prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy is a high-demand procedure well-suited for general practice settings with proper laparoscopic equipment and training from providers like VetOvation.

Veterinary arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera inserted into a joint to diagnose and treat conditions such as unexplained lameness, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), ligament tears, joint fractures, and synovitis. Key techniques include:

  • Diagnostic arthroscopy: For unexplained lameness, swelling, or pain
  • Therapeutic arthroscopy: For loose fragments, ligament tears, and joint debris
  • Arthroscopic-assisted fracture repair: For precise stabilization under direct visualization

VetOvation offers complete arthroscopy systems and instruments for veterinary practices.

Orthopedics

VetOvation offers a full line of veterinary orthopedic equipment including:

  • Orthopedic Power Instruments: Battery-powered, pneumatic, and electric saws, drills, and reamers
  • TPLO Plating Systems: For cruciate ligament repair
  • Fracture Plating Systems: For bone fracture stabilization
  • Orthopedic Hand Instruments: Complete sets for orthopedic procedures

These products support common orthopedic procedures including fracture repair, joint surgery, TPLO, and ligament reconstruction.

A TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) plating system is an orthopedic implant system used to surgically repair cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears in dogs—one of the most common orthopedic injuries in canine patients. The procedure involves cutting and rotating the tibial plateau, then stabilizing it with a bone plate and screws to restore joint stability. VetOvation offers veterinary-specific TPLO plating systems as part of their orthopedic implant product line.

VetOvation carries a comprehensive selection of orthopedic hand instruments used alongside power equipment during bone and joint surgeries. These include:

  • Bone reduction forceps
  • Periosteal elevators
  • Bone curettes and rongeurs
  • Retractors
  • Pin and wire cutters
  • Depth gauges, tap sleeves, and screwdrivers

Having high-quality hand instruments is essential for precise implant placement, fragment manipulation, and overall surgical efficiency in orthopedic procedures.

Yes. VetOvation’s orthopedic product line is designed to accommodate a range of patient sizes, from small companion animals like cats and toy-breed dogs to large-breed dogs and equine patients. Implant systems are available in multiple sizes, and power equipment attachments (blades, burrs, drill bits) come in various dimensions to match the surgical requirements of different species and body weights.

Yes. VetOvation supplies TPLO-specific saw blades (tri-shaft) as well as other orthopedic consumables including drill bits, K-wires, pins, burs and replacement saw blades for oscillating, sagittal, and reciprocating saws. Keeping fresh, sharp consumables on hand is critical for clean bone cuts, reduced heat generation, optimal surgical outcomes and keeping your equipment functioning well.

Training and Support

Yes! VetOvation provides comprehensive, hands-on clinical training and support led by experienced veterinarians and clinical consultants, including their Chief Medical Officer (Dr. John Schaaf), Director of Medical Education (Dr. Jessica Larson), and clinical consultant (Dr. Shane Whitaker). Training covers:

  • On-site equipment installation
  • Staff education and orientation
  • Surgical technique instruction for laparoscopy, endoscopy, and other procedures
  • Ongoing clinical consultation and support

On-site hospital training is a core part of VetOvation’s service and a key differentiator from other equipment suppliers.

We now also offer a virtual training option for customers who need a refresher or who have new surgeons or staff in their practice.

VetOvation provides best-in-class customer support including:

  • On-site equipment installation and setup
  • Hands-on clinical training for veterinarians and staff
  • Product user manuals and brochures
  • Surgical technique and product training video libraries
  • Ongoing clinical consultation from their veterinary medical team
  • Responsive customer service

Their support team includes a Chief Medical Officer, Director of Medical Education, and experienced clinical consultants who are available to help practices succeed with their new technology.

Yes. VetOvation provides an extensive library of surgical technique videos and product training videos on their website and YouTube channel. These videos cover procedures including laparoscopic spays, gastropexies, endoscopy, equine cryptorchid resection, vessel sealing techniques, otoscopy, and more. They are an invaluable resource for veterinarians evaluating or learning minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Ordering and Financing

Yes. VetOvation partners with Financial Partners Group to offer no-hassle equipment financing with:

  • Simple interest loans through an Equipment Finance Agreement
  • Flexible terms that may cover sales tax, installation, and training
  • No pre-payment penalties, hidden fees, or unexpected costs
  • Fast, simple application process—online, phone, or fax
  • Straightforward documentation

Learn more about financing options →

Investment in surgical equipment can pay for itself! Key revenue and savings drivers include:

  • Ability to charge premium pricing for MIS procedures
  • Attracting new clients and referrals
  • Reduced surgical complications and re-operations
  • Improved practice differentiation and reputation
  • Staff recruitment and retention advantages

Watch a video on ROI

Yes. VetOvation serves veterinary facilities internationally across over seven countries and three continents. The company works with top veterinary distributors worldwide to ensure global access to their surgical equipment and training resources.

Getting started is easy:

  • Browse products on vetovation.com/shop
  • Contact the sales team for a personalized consultation
  • Request a demonstration of any product line

VetOvation’s team works closely with each practice to determine which technology best fits their goals, budget, and patient population—then provides financing options and hands-on training to ensure a smooth transition.

You can always Contact Us and we can set up an account for you. 

Please visit our Warranty & Returns page to get more information. Returns are initiated with an RMA number, please go to Customer Support Ticket to start the process of your return and replacement. Check the date of your sale and our warranty information to see if you qualify for a return or replacement.  If you have any questions, please contact a sales representative.

Yes! Please visit our Warranty & Returns page to get more information. In some cases we do repairs on products, please contact a sales representative for more information.

We process payment via Stripe and accept check or wire transfer. Products are not shipped until payment is received.

Sterilization

Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization is a low-temperature sterilization method that processes surgical instruments in as little as 17–24 minutes without requiring external venting or aeration. Compared to traditional ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization, which often requires overnight cycles, plasma sterilization offers:

  • Same-day instrument reuse – instruments back in rotation within minutes
  • No toxic gas exposure – safer for staff and the environment
  • No special ventilation infrastructure – simpler facility requirements
  • Dramatically improved surgical workflow – fewer backup instrument sets needed

VetOvation offers hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization systems designed for veterinary hospitals looking to modernize their sterilization workflow.

Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization works in a multi-phase cycle:

  • Vacuum phase: A deep vacuum is created in the sterilization chamber.
  • Injection phase: A small amount of liquid hydrogen peroxide is injected and vaporized to contact all instrument surfaces.
  • Plasma phase: Radiofrequency energy is applied to create a plasma state—a cloud of reactive free radicals—that destroys microorganisms at the molecular level.
  • Vent phase: The byproducts break down into harmless water vapor and oxygen.

The entire process takes approximately 17–24 minutes and operates at low temperatures (typically below 55°C / 131°F), making it safe for heat-sensitive and moisture-sensitive instruments.

Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization is compatible with a wide range of surgical instruments including:

  • Rigid and flexible endoscopes
  • Laparoscopic instruments and cameras
  • Electrosurgical handpieces and vessel sealing devices
  • Power tool attachments
  • Arthroscopy instruments
  • Most stainless steel and anodized aluminum instruments

It is especially valuable for delicate, heat-sensitive items that cannot withstand traditional steam autoclaving. Items that are not compatible include cellulose-based materials (paper, cotton, linen), liquids, and certain long narrow lumens without proper adapters.

Plasma sterilization is superior to ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization in several key ways for veterinary practices:

  • Cycle time: 17–24 minutes vs. 10–15 hours for EtO
  • Safety: Produces no toxic residues (only water and oxygen) while EtO is a known carcinogen requiring extensive aeration
  • Infrastructure: Requires no external venting or special infrastructure; EtO demands dedicated exhaust systems
  • Turnaround: Instruments are ready for immediate reuse; EtO-sterilized items require extended aeration before use
  • Compliance: Eliminates the regulatory and safety compliance burden associated with EtO gas storage and handling

Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization is best used as a complement to—not a complete replacement for—a traditional steam autoclave. Autoclaves remain the most cost-effective method for sterilizing standard stainless steel instruments, surgical packs, and wrapped trays that tolerate high heat and moisture. Plasma sterilization excels for items that cannot be autoclaved, such as flexible endoscopes, laparoscopic cameras, vessel sealing devices, and other heat- and moisture-sensitive equipment. Most well-equipped veterinary practices benefit from having both systems available.

Still Have Questions?

Our team of clinical experts and equipment specialists is ready to help you find the right surgical technology for your practice.

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