Permanent jugular catheterization in miniature pig: treatment, clinical and pathological observatio

Abstract

The aim of present study was the installation of permanent jugular catheter to miniature pigs, which are frequently used as animal model for the experiments closely related to human medicine. We describe here in many details surgical interventions leading to the localization and fixation of Seldinger needle in &nu;. <I>jugularis externa</I> and its use for extended period of time. Eight animals were included in these experiments and their heath status was currently monitored and no visible problems were recorded. After two months they were euthanased and potential function of catheters was carefully inspected. Only in two instances we found pathological changes resulting in the obstruction of catheter and trombophlebitis of &nu;.<I>jugularis externa sin</I> and &nu;. <I>cava cranialis</I> In six remaining animals, it was easy to inject any time the solutions with drugs to blood system or to take safely blood samples. During whole post operation period the animals were maintained in conventional conditions, without any special care.