In preclinical infusion studies, maintaining catheter patency is essential. When catheters fail prematurely due to blockage, dislodgement, or infection, the consequences ripple through every aspect of research. Data quality suffers, study timelines are extended, more animals may be required, and costs inevitably rise.
Because of these challenges, researchers and providers are always searching for better tools to extend catheter life and reduce complications. One promising solution is the Cannulock Catheter Access Button — a device designed to secure access and improve outcomes in rodent models.
The Challenge of Maintaining Patency
Rodent infusion studies require reliable, long-term access to the vascular system. Yet, catheters are vulnerable:
- Clotting and occlusion can block flow.
- Leaks and disconnections compromise dosing accuracy.
- Infections increase animal morbidity and threaten study integrity.
- Stress and handling during sampling can accelerate wear and tear.
Each of these issues shortens catheter life, which in turn increases study variability and complicates data interpretation.
Cannulock Catheter Access Buttons: A Smarter Solution
Cannulock buttons are engineered to reduce these risks. By locking the catheter securely in place and minimizing manipulation during access, they:
- Decrease the risk of leaks and dislodgement
- Reduce repeated handling stress on the animal
- Provide a more consistent sampling and infusion pathway
- Help limit the frequency of catheter-related complications
The result is a simple yet effective innovation that significantly enhances catheter longevity in small animal models.
The Envigo Study: Demonstrating Real-World Benefits
To quantify the benefits of Cannulock buttons, Envigo conducted a study evaluating their impact on catheter performance in rodents.
The findings were clear:
- Extended Catheter Patency – Cannulock buttons significantly prolonged functional catheter life compared to traditional access methods.
- Higher Data Integrity – With fewer catheter failures, researchers were able to maintain consistent dosing schedules and sampling windows.
- Reduced Variability – Longer patency led to more reliable datasets and minimized the risk of study disruptions.
- Improved Animal Welfare – Fewer surgical re-entries or replacements meant less stress and better overall care for the animals involved.
For researchers balancing timelines, budgets, and animal care standards, these improvements are game-changing.
Why Extended Patency Matters
Every additional day of catheter viability reduces costs, improves efficiency, and enhances data quality. Consider the ripple effects:
- Fewer replacement surgeries mean less downtime and expense.
- Extended patency supports longer study designs without compromising access.
- Better data consistency helps researchers draw stronger conclusions.
- Reduced animal loss aligns with the 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), promoting higher standards of animal welfare.
In short, extended patency isn’t just a technical improvement — it’s a fundamental advancement in how preclinical studies are conducted.
Partnering With Researchers for Better Outcomes
At SAI Infusion, our mission is to help researchers work faster, smarter, and more effectively. Tools like the Cannulock Catheter Access Button reflect our dedication to innovation that improves both research outcomes and animal care.
By combining customizable equipment — including harnesses, ports, tethers, jackets, swivels, and pumps — with ongoing technical support and training, we provide comprehensive solutions that keep studies on track. And as the Envigo study shows, small innovations can make a big impact.
Conclusion
Research is only as strong as the tools behind it. The Cannulock Catheter Access Button gives scientists an edge by improving catheter patency, safeguarding animal welfare, and delivering more reliable results.
For teams conducting infusion and sampling studies, adopting Cannulock buttons isn’t just about extending catheter life — it’s about ensuring that every study is more efficient, ethical, and impactful.
