A rabbit model for implanting continuous drug infusion pumps

This paper describes a surgical technique for implanting a readily available, human-sized drug infusion pump in rabbits. We developed this technique in order to expand uses of implantable infusion pump technology in the laboratory. The dog, which has been the research animal of choice in previous studies using implantable pumps, can now be replaced by smaller, less expensive animals for similar or other laboratory purposes. This technique can be of particular importance in the study of atherosclerosis where the dog is a poor model and the rabbit an excellent one. In 18 rabbits with inferior vena cava cannulations, we were able to obtain 100% survival and constant solution delivery for up to and greater than 6 months. This technique is safe and reproducible. By employing a simple catheter modification and using special pump anchoring precautions, we found that we could successfully use a human-sized device in rabbit studies. Commentary is also made concerning the relative contributions to patency and vein sclerosis of catheter diameter and the infusate media.