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Published on: November 2, 2016
A semi-automated vascular access system for preclinical models
B N Berry-Pusey1, Y C Chang, S W Prince
1Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging at UCLA, 570 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. bberrypuzey@mednet.ucla.edu
Physics in Medicine and Biology
|July 24, 2013
Summary
A new vascular access system (VAS) semi-automatically inserts needles into mouse tail veins, reducing injection variability. This automated system improves accuracy for researchers using murine models in biological studies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Translational Research
- Animal Models
Background:
- Murine models are crucial for biological and translational research, often requiring vascular access for agent delivery.
- Tail vein injections are a common method but demand significant expertise, leading to high variability and impacting experimental outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a vascular access system (VAS) that semi-automates mouse tail vein injections.
- To decrease injection variability and improve accessibility for scientists performing these procedures.
Main Methods:
- The VAS utilizes near-infrared light, image processing, computer-controlled motors, and pressure feedback for semi-automatic needle insertion.
- System accuracy was validated by injecting FDG (a radiolabeled probe) into mouse tail veins and measuring residual probe via micro-positron emission tomography.
Main Results:
- The VAS demonstrated consistent performance, leaving an average of 3.4% of the injected probe in the tail across tested mice.
- This indicates successful and accurate delivery of agents into the mouse vasculature.
Conclusions:
- The developed vascular access system shows significant potential for enhancing the accuracy and reproducibility of tail vein injections in mice.
- This technology can empower more researchers to confidently perform critical vascular access procedures in murine models.
