Superselective arterial catheterization in the rabbit.
OBJECTIVE
To improve the safety and success of selective and superselective arterial catheterization in the rabbit.


METHODS
A 2-F catheter introducer system was devised that consisted of the sheath of an 18-gauge, 5.1-cm sheath needle and a hemostatic valve attached to the hub of the sheath. The system was tested in 14 adult male New Zealand white rabbits with regard to ease of insertion and facilitation of superselective arterial catheterization.


RESULTS
The introducer system was easily placed in all rabbits, and no bleeding was seen around the sheath at the puncture site. Preshaped 2-F polyethylene catheters were readily inserted through the assembly and sheath. The valve prevented bleeding from around the catheter, and the side-arm flush tube served as a route for heparinization. The system greatly facilitated the manipulation of 2-F angiographic catheters.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of the introducer system with a 2-F polyethylene angiographic catheter improved the success of selective and superselective arterial catheterization in the rabbit.
Kónya
A
A
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA.
Wright
K C
KC
D000792:Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation; D000818:Animals; D001158:Arteries; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits