General information:

In the context of research projects or preclinical studies (PK/PD, toxicology), the implantation of vascular catheters facilitate intravenous administration of test drugs or regular blood sampling.

In mice, jugular vein, carotid artery, portal and femoral vein can be catheterized.

In rats, accessible vessels are carotid artery, portal vein, femoral vein and artery, abdominal aorta and hepatic artery.

In larger animal models (rabbits, pigs, minipigs, non-human primates for example) vessels already mentioned as well as additional peripheral vessels are accessible (marginal vein, cephalic vein, saphenous vein for example).

Different catheter access system exist. State of the art systems (such as subcutaneous chambers, vascular harness, external chambers) allow repeated sampling/injection without pain or stress for the animal.

Vascular catheter implantation requires specific surgical skills. Apart from the insertion of the catheter in the vessel itself, many other key gestures should be mastered to allow reaching high success rates.

Key success factors are:

animal model choice: success rate is classically highly depending on animal strain, sex and age

catheter insertion length in the vessel

strict aseptic conditions

material choice (design and material of the catheters, suture material, lock solution in particular)

lock solution management (solution used to fill the dead volume of catheters while not used)

catheter access system choice and implantation technique

How could Vetsalius help you?

earning how to perform these procedures is a relatively long process, even for experienced technicians or veterinarians. Good basic surgical skills (good instruments handling skills, experience with the use of surgical microscopes, good suture skills) are a must. Reaching high success rates requires going through a learning curve. Classically, people who train on these procedures start focusing on the catheterization itself, then refine step by step the insertion length and finally focus on access system optimization.

The whole process usually takes several weeks or months but can significantly be shortened with the help of Vetsalius experts. Vetsalius can provide strategic inputs regarding optimal surgical techniques but also on surgery team organization, perioperative care, aseptic techniques or material choice refinement.

During a one to 3 days training session, (depending on the number of persons to be trained and teams objectives), Vetsalius can provide “tips and tricks” and advices allowing to accelerate the learning process.

Alternatively, for teams without surgical experience or not having enough time for a proper training, on site surgery service is the ideal option. Vetsalius surgeons can perform the surgeries on site, providing the requested material. A session plan is discussed prior to session, allowing to optimize the number of animals successfully operated per day.

Do not hesitate to contact Vetsalius for more information!