Tupper, T., Manning, H., Turner, D. et al. 2014. An innovative restraint device for the placement of intravenous tail vein catheters in anesthetized mice. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 584. (Abstract #P136).

Consistently accurate intravenous tail vein administration of radiopharmaceuticals in anesthetized mice is a critical component of successful PET/CT imaging in the preclinical setting. Injectable anesthetics are often not suitable for PET imaging and commercially available mouse restraint devices do not accommodate mice under inhalant anesthesia. There is a need for a restraint device that allows for the administration of radioactive material via tail vein catheter while mice are under general inhalation anesthetic. The device must be of a durable, nonporous, sturdy material that will allow for thorough disinfection practices to prevent cross-contamination and to suit a facility accommodating immunocompromised mice. It must provide a method for attachment and adjustment of the anesthesia nose cone, easily support placement and positioning of mice of different sizes, and enable gentle extension of the tail for injection or catheter placement. The device described here satisfies all of these criteria. Solid surface countertop proved to be the ideal material for the base platform. It is nonporous, easily cleaned, impervious to bacteria, and is often used in hospitals and for laboratory countertops. The platform’s dimensions are 10 × 2 × 2 in. It is sturdy but light enough to be easily moved to the bench or laboratory hood. A beveled trough allows the mouse to rest on its side. A removable piece of slotted plastic enables the technologist to extend the tail such that the lateral tail vein is positioned for easy access. A vinyl plastic strip held in place by magnets secures the anesthesia nosecone to the base. All components of the device meet IACUC standards for cleaning and sanitation. This device has been used for the administration of radiopharmaceuticals by multiple staff members in all PET studies since its development. It has also proved useful in nonimaging studies for the intravenous administration of pharmaceuticals or contrast agents when the animals have pump implants or their size prohibits the use of standard conscious restraint. This device has facilitated the successful administration of radiopharmaceuticals via tail vein catheter for all studies in our facility since its inception and is now an established part of our standard operating procedure.

Year
2014
Animal Type