In the world of preclinical research, small design changes can yield significant impacts—not only on data quality but also on animal welfare. One such advancement is the use of rounded tip rodent catheters, such as those featured in SAI Infusion’s CannuLock™ Catheter Access Systems. These catheters are designed with refinement in mind—offering superior comfort for the animal and reliable performance for the researcher.
Why Rounded Tip Catheters Matter
Unlike traditional sharp-edged catheter tips, rounded tip designs minimize trauma during implantation and reduce irritation over time. This seemingly simple feature translates into multiple practical benefits:
1. Improved Animal Welfare
Rounded tips cause less endothelial irritation during placement and reduce long-term friction against blood vessel walls. Animals exhibit fewer signs of post-surgical discomfort, which is not only an ethical improvement—it also minimizes stress-induced biological variation that can confound data.
2. Extended Patency and Fewer Complications
In a study conducted in collaboration with Envigo, SAI Infusion’s rounded tip catheters were shown to maintain longer patency—meaning that researchers could collect data or administer treatments over extended periods without replacing the catheter or encountering occlusions. Longer patency reduces the need for re-implantation and improves study continuity.
3. Better Data Integrity
When catheter placement is stable and functional for the duration of a study, researchers can maintain consistent dosing, sampling, and infusion protocols. This consistency improves data reliability and reduces the need for additional cohorts, supporting both ethical use of animals and efficient project timelines.
Designed for the Researcher, with the Animal in Mind
SAI’s rounded tip catheters integrate seamlessly with their CannuLock™ Access Buttons, enabling secure exteriorization and repeated access without compromising sterility. They are available for jugular, femoral, carotid, and intrathecal applications, across both mouse and rat models.
Combined with options like the CannuLock Barbed Connector, researchers benefit from a secure fit that further reduces leakage or movement—key factors in long-term catheter success.
In Summary:
Rounded tip rodent catheters are more than just a design tweak—they are a scientific and ethical upgrade for any study involving vascular access. With SAI Infusion’s trusted design, researchers can extend catheter life, reduce stress on animals, and generate better data—all while complying with the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) of animal research.
