title: Modification of Subdural Catheters for Long-Term Intracranial Pressure Monitoring of Conscious Rabbits.
abstract: Intracranial pressure monitoring of conscious rabbits poses major technical problems. Although surgical implantation of epidural, subdural, or parenchymal catheters is usually straightforward, the maintenance of such systems after surgery can be difficult. A simple and effective method of subdural intracranial pressure monitoring that used a modified catheter is described. This approach was used successfully in 12 conscious rabbits for which investigators required intermittent intracranial pressure monitoring during a 4 to 10-day period. An intracranial pressure transducer was modified by use of a protective sheath and fiberglass splinting material prior to implantation. After implantation, a modified jacket was used on rabbits to provide additional catheter protection. After surgery, rabbits remained conscious and were allowed to resume normal activity throughout the duration of the investigations, with the exception of infrequent need for light restraint. Our experience with the use of catheters before these modifications were introduced revealed an unacceptably high rate of fractured catheters, catheter migration, and problems associated with handling of rabbits by investigators. The modified system reduced these technical difficulties and allowed for successful completion of several investigations. Minor problems included increased tissue reactivity and slightly prolonged surgery time. Investigators interested in monitoring intracranial pressure of conscious rabbits for a period of several days may benefit from use of this technique.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Storrow
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hoxie