While not technically an infusion system, this approach to an acute infusion study can be cost-effective. The tail vein catheters can be implanted without a cut-down surgery, and are especially useful for labs that cannot perform surgeries or don't have access to pre-catheterized models. This works best in a restrained or anesthetized animal, and are most useful for imaging studies. The tail vein catheter can be protected and re-accessed, but it is not a fool-proof approach.

In this system, the femoral vein is cannulated, but is externalized at the base of the tail and is fed through a tail cuff. The tail cuff protects the catheter and connects with the tether. This option provides freedom of movement and is the preferred tethering method for some researchers.