COMPREHENSIVE INFUSION PRODUCTS

Over the past few years there have been many advances in systems and procedures used for the tethered infusion of rats. New catheter and harness designs have made the entire process more reliable and less time consuming. Tethered systems require an indwelling catheter, a harness or jacket, spring tether, swivel, swivel holder, extension lines and infusion pump. Up until now, the fluid carrying components of these systems (the catheter, extension lines and swivel) were all connected by friction fitting a stainless steel cannula with the internal diameter of flexible polymer tubing. Today, the most advanced system available, the QuickConnectTM system, eliminates all of the sizing issues inherent in older systems and replaces the friction connections with secure luer locks. These fittings can be connected and disconnected quickly and cleanly allowing for intermittent infusion and sampling without continuous tethering or restraint. High quality polyurethane has become the most preferred catheter material due to its pliability and thromboresistant nature. Recent tapered designs greatly increase success rates allowing for smaller diameter distal ends that insert easily into vessels and thicker walled proximal ends that connect directly to the harness or swivel.