Method to perform IV injections on mice using the facial vein

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Surgical Techniques
• Animal Models

Background:

• Intravenous (IV) access is crucial for administering medications and conducting research in animal models.
• Existing methods for IV access in mice can be challenging and may interfere with specific experimental procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel, minimally invasive surgical technique for establishing IV access in a mouse model.
• To assess the efficacy and applicability of this technique, particularly for animals undergoing kinematic testing.

Main Methods:

• A "cut-down" surgical approach was employed to identify the facial vein in mice.
• An incision was made anterior to the external auditory meatus, extending posterior to the lateral canthus.
• A 30-gauge needle was utilized for medication injection via the exposed facial vein.

Main Results:

• The novel technique demonstrated a high success rate of 93%, confirmed by direct visualization.
• The surgical site and incision placement did not impede the ventral surface of the animal.
• This method is particularly advantageous for mice intended for kinematic analysis.

Conclusions:

• The described facial vein cut-down technique provides an effective and reliable method for achieving IV access in mice.
• This technique offers a significant advantage for research involving kinematic assessments, minimizing experimental interference.