Implantable device for intravenous drug delivery in the rat.

The experimental design of studies using small laboratory animals may require repeated venous access for the application of drugs or diagnostics. An appropriate device should provide quick intravenous access without causing severe handling stress to the animals or the necessity of anaesthesia. In addition, the system should be suitable for repeated injections over several weeks. A silicone catheter is connected to an intravenous indwelling cannula with fixation wings. A closure stopper with injection port completes this system. The device is fixed subcutaneously on the back of the animal and the catheter is inserted into the jugular vein. The device is easily and quickly assembled and is more economic than commercial systems. It is easily implanted and allows repeated intravenous injections for several weeks without anaesthesia or restraint of the animals. The method allows repeated intravenous drug delivery over a couple of weeks in small animals.