Brain Catheter
| Available in: Rats | Anesthetics | Analgesic |
| Pre-Operative Procedures | Intra-Operative Care | Post-Operative Care |
Surgical Preparation
The animal is anesthetized and clipped over the top of the skull. Sterile eye lubricant is placed in both eyes, and the clipped skin area over the skull is surgically prepared. The animal is then anesthetized using an approved anesthetic suitable for an IP injection. Analgesic is administered.
Surgical Description
To expose the skull, the animal is positioned on a stereotaxic apparatus, and a skin is incised along the midline of the clipped area over the skull. Blunt dissection in combination with minor scraping may be needed to clear the skull from the surrounding tissue. Locking forceps are used to retract the periosteum to increase surgical visibility of the skull. The given coordinates are obtained and a surgical drill is used in the desired location of catheter installation. Care must be taken not to drill too deeply and that the drill is stopped immediately after penetrating the dura mater. Screw holes are then drilled around the location of catheter installation and screws are inserted approximately half way. Using the stereotaxic arm, the catheter is then inserted to the desired depth. Excess blood is controlled with a sterile, cotton-tipped applicator. Once the surgical site is dry, dental cement is applied to the area in a manner as to securely hold the catheter to the skull and the attached screws. The cement is allowed to dry and a catheter cap is screwed to the exposed catheter.
Surgical Closing
The animal is removed from the stereotaxic device and the incision on the skull is closed with an approved closing material. The surgery sites are treated with an approved disinfectant followed by an alcohol swabbing.
Sham
A standard sham ICVC model is prepared as described above with regards to surgical site preparation, dissection of the skull, drilling, wound closing, and surgical site disinfection; however, no screws or catheters are inserted.
