Percutaneously inserted long-term central venous catheters in pigs of different sizes

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Surgical Techniques
• Biomedical Research

Background:

• Pigs are vital models for long-term biomedical studies necessitating repeated procedures.
• Indwelling vascular catheters are crucial to minimize animal stress and restraint during experiments.
• Current catheter insertion methods can cause surgical trauma and complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a refined technique for percutaneous insertion of long-term central venous catheters in pigs.
• To minimize surgical trauma and postoperative issues related to catheter placement.
• To compare needle sizes for optimal venous puncture during catheterization.

Main Methods:

• A refined percutaneous insertion model for long-term central venous catheters was developed.
• The study compared the efficacy of 18 Ga versus 21 Ga needles for initial venous puncture.
• Procedure outcomes were assessed in pigs of different weight categories (<30 kg and ~50 kg).

Main Results:

• A 21 Ga needle microintroducer set facilitated catheter insertion in smaller pigs (under 30 kg).
• A standard 18 Ga needle was found preferable for catheter insertion in larger pigs (around 50 kg).
• The refined technique aims to reduce complications associated with catheterization.

Conclusions:

• The choice of needle size for central venous catheterization in pigs should be tailored to the animal's weight.
• This optimized technique improves the feasibility and safety of long-term catheter use in swine models.
• Minimally invasive catheterization techniques are essential for ethical and effective animal research.