A simple disposable continuous-infusion swivel for unrestrained small animals

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Laboratory Animal Science
• Surgical Devices

Background:

• Implementing infusion systems in small animal research, particularly for acute and chronic studies, often requires specialized and costly equipment.
• Existing methods for continuous infusion in small animals can be complex to set up and maintain, potentially introducing variability and stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and construction of an easy-to-prepare, inexpensive, and disposable infusion swivel suitable for small animal research.
• To provide a cost-effective and accessible alternative to commercial infusion swivels for both acute and chronic experimental designs.

Main Methods:

• The infusion swivel was designed using common and readily available plastic laboratory syringe components.
• Standard needles and a three-way stopcock were integrated into the swivel's construction.
• The assembly process was optimized for ease of preparation and minimal cost.

Main Results:

• A functional and disposable infusion swivel was successfully constructed from inexpensive, common laboratory materials.
• The device is suitable for use in both acute and chronic infusion experiments in small animals.
• The design allows for straightforward preparation and integration into experimental setups.

Conclusions:

• The described disposable infusion swivel offers a practical and economical solution for small animal research requiring continuous infusion.
• This innovation can reduce experimental costs and improve accessibility to infusion techniques for researchers.
• The device's simplicity and use of standard components facilitate its adoption in various research settings.