IP Catheter

Available in: Rats and Mice Anesthetics Analgesic
Pre-Operative Procedures Intra-Operative Care Post-Operative Care

Surgical Preparation

The animal is anesthetized and clipped over the abdominal region and at the nape. Sterile eye lubricant is placed in both eyes, and the clipped skin area over the abdominal wall is surgically prepared. The animal is placed in dorsal recumbency on a surgery board fitted with a sterile board drape. Analgesic is administered.

Surgical Description

The surgical site is draped with a sterile drape. A purse string suture (silk suture) is applied to the abdominal wall. A small incision is made to the abdominal wall within the purse string. A sterile catheter is inserted into the incision approximately 1-2 cm. The purse string suture is drawn tightly and knotted to anchor the catheter in place. A small amount of saline is infused to test for patency.

Surgical Closing

The ventral abdominal incision is closed with approved closing materials and the catheter is tacked to the abdominal wall. The animal is turned to permit access to the dorsal area where the catheter will be tunneled through to an exit site on the nape. The clipped area of the nape is surgically prepared, and a small (approximately 2-7 mm), midline incision is made to the skin between the shoulder blades. The catheter is tunneled under the skin and accessed through the incision at the nape. A small amount of saline is pushed through the catheter before it is filled with a locking solution (optional) and the catheter is plugged. The ventral and dorsal incisions are closed with approved closing materials (suture or stainless steel clips), and the catheter plug is anchored to the closing material. Excess catheter is tucked under the skin, and the surgery sites are treated with an approved disinfectant followed by an alcohol swabbing.

Sham

A standard sham IP model is prepared as described above with regards to surgical site preparation, tunneling, wound closing, and surgical site disinfection; however, no catheters are inserted.