Customized vascular catheters for rodents

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Chronic vascular access in rodents is crucial for research.
• Existing catheter materials may present challenges with thrombogenicity, toxicity, or fabrication.
• A need exists for reliable, cost-effective, and easily prepared catheter systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the fabrication and implementation of custom polyurethane catheters for rodents.
• To evaluate the suitability of polyurethane as a material for chronic vascular access devices.
• To establish a method for maintaining catheter patency in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Custom arterial and venous catheters were fabricated from polyurethane tubing.
• Polyurethane tubing was shaped using heated peanut oil (160°C).
• Catheter ends were sealed by heating and manual pinching.
• Chronic catheter patency was maintained using Burr's solution (9:1 glycerine and heparin mixture).

Main Results:

• Polyurethane demonstrated low thrombogenicity and toxicity, making it an ideal catheter material.
• The fabrication and sealing methods were simple and effective.
• Chronic catheter patency was successfully maintained without the need for regular flushing.
• The developed catheters proved suitable for long-term use in rodents.

Conclusions:

• Custom polyurethane catheters offer a practical and effective solution for chronic vascular access in rodent models.
• The material properties and fabrication techniques facilitate the creation of reliable and low-maintenance vascular access devices.
• This method provides a valuable tool for researchers requiring long-term intravenous or arterial access in small animals.