COMPREHENSIVE INFUSION PRODUCTS

There are two systems available for long-term tethered infusion in a mouse, the harness (or jacket) and the tail-cuff systems.

The harness or jacket system features the animal wearing a harness that is connected to a tether and swivel system. A jugular vein is usually cannulated and the catheter is exited in the midscapular region. This is connected to the swivel assembly via a spring tether which protects the internal catheter extension line connected to the catheter by a stainless steel cannula.

The tail cuff tethered system is very much like the harness system except that a tail cuff is connected to the tether instead of a harness or jacket. A tail cuff is a stainless steel tube that sleeves the tail, protecting the catheter and catheter exit site as well as anchoring the tether to the animal. A femoral vein is catheterized with the catheter exiting at the base of the tail. This is connected to the swivel assembly via a spring tether, which protects an internal catheter extension line, connected to the catheter with a metal cannula. The tail cuff is slid over the tail and sutured in place with durable sutures. Great care must be taken when suturing the tail cuff to the animal as this anchor is critical to the success of the model.

Both of these systems are recommended for long-term continuous infusion in mice.