A novel alternative placement site and technique for totally implantable vascular access ports in non-human primates.
BACKGROUND
Two novel approaches to implanting a central venous catheter port in non-human primates (NHPs) using peripheral insertion are presented and compared.


METHODS
Sixty vascular access port (VAP) implants were attempted in 52 NHPs by saphenous vein puncture (n = 20) or saphenous vein cutdown (n = 40).


RESULTS
Fifty eight procedures were successful. Eighteen of 20 VAPs were successfully placed using saphenous vein puncture, and 40 of 40 using saphenous vein cutdown. There were no significant differences between procedures. Mean implantation times were similar between groups. At explant or study endpoint, all 58 VAPs were patent.


CONCLUSIONS
Vascular access port implantation by saphenous vein puncture or saphenous vein cutdown is safe and effective in NHPs. It is less invasive than conventional procedures, has fewer complications, provides outstanding patency, and reduces surgery time. Furthermore, it allows for cooperative in-homecage VAP use, minimizing handling stress. We recommend these refined methods for long-term vascular access in NHPs.
Graham
Melanie L
ML
Schulze Diabetes Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA. graha066@umn.edu
Rieke
Eric F
EF
Dunning
Michele
M
Mutch
Lucas A
LA
Craig
Angela M
AM
Zolondek
Elizabeth K
EK
Hering
Bernhard J
BJ
Schuurman
Henk-Jan
HJ
Bianco
Richard W
RW
D000818:Animals; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000662:veterinary*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000662:veterinary*; D011323:Primates; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery; D016748:Venous Cutdown / Q000662:veterinary