Chronic catherization of a hepatic vein, the portal vein and a mesenteric vein in cattle using totally implantable catheter system

Abstract

Surgical techniques for implanting chronic catheters in a hepatic vein, the portal vein and a mesenterie vein in adult cattle are described. A totally implantable access system pemiitting repeated access to the vascular system is used and evaluated. The average function time for withdrawal of blood of this system for hepatic, portal and mesenteric catheters were 37+10, 31 +19. and 3 +2 weeks (mean + SD). respectively. 111- fusions were possible for much longer time. Advantages of this method were first of all a better quality of life for the experimental animal involved, since no restrain or confinement was needed during housing and handling. The experimental animals could safely graze pastures while equipped with catheters in portal, hepatic and mesenterie veins. Catheter infections were not observed, the maintenance protocol was faster and safer than for conventional catheters. Tissue reactions were limited to a thin layer of fibrous tissue. A disadvantage of this technique was a relatively high cost of the catheter system, when compared to traditional systems.