Modified retrograde orotracheal intubation technique for airway access in rabbits

Anatomical features of the oral fissure and pharynx of rabbits make orotracheal intubation a difficult task with a high failure rate. We have developed a versatile technique for retrograde intubation of rabbits which consists of the following steps: (1) assessment of the trachea through a cervicotomy (2) insertion of a guidewire into its lumen, (3) delivery of the guide through the mouth, and (4) introduction of the orotracheal tube over the guide. This procedure was performed in 58 rabbits under pentobarbital anesthesia and resulted in successful orotracheal intubation in 56 animals. Awakening from anesthesia and extubation were uneventful. No complications related to this technique were observed during a follow-up period of 5-14 days. The described technique is a simple and safe method to access the airways of rabbits and can be useful in chronic experiments.