Procedure for intrapleural implantation in mice by thoracotomy

An intrapleural implantation procedure by thoracotomy was developed for application in mice. Animal survival was found to depend on the following: (A) slow induction and quick reversal of a pneumothorax by controlled pleural air injection and withdrawal, (B) keeping the pleura open for the shortest possible time by quick insertion of the implant and immediate tight closure with prepositioned sutures, and (C) use of the right, not the left, pleural cavity especially for maximum size implants which for a 30-gram mouse was 12 X 5 X 4 mm. Surgical and postsurgical mortality was below 5% (n = over 300).