IAT Congress 2025 -- Our previous methods for intravenous dosing in minipigs were either placing short-term intravenous cannula into the peripheral (saphenous) vein, which is only suitable for bolus or short infusion, or a vascular access port (VAP), involving surgical cannulation of the femoral vein attached to a subcutaneous port on the trunk with a recovery period of 14 days before the port can be used. Following successful use of semi-permanent over-the-wire central venous catheters for repeat blood sampling in minipigs at Harrogate and Huntingdon, it was proposed to use the model for a 24-hour continuous infusion. This was a refinement from the VAP model, as the simpler procedure involved a much shorter anaesthesia and was possible to do within annex of the animal home area, removing the need for transport to the veterinary theatre. It also avoided the need for surgical placement of the catheter and subsequent recovery period with medication administration. The cannulas were well tolerated by the minipigs.

• Download