Experimental surgical protocol for continuous femoral venous access in the rat

Access to the circulatory system is essential for continuous monitoring and long-term experimental study. One of the commonest methods for venous access is femoral vein cannulation. The aim of the presented protocol was to elaborate a surgical model for cannulation of femoral vein in rat. Temporary cannulae such as butterfly needles can be used in short-term procedures, whereas long-term monitoring required surgical implantation of a biocompatible cannula. The protocol allows direct venous access, continuous monitoring and evaluation of the tested compounds in experimental pharmacology and toxicology – the tested compounds reach the systemic circulation immediately and the dose can be accurately titrated against response. The protocol can be applied as an alternative for venous access in experimental clinical settings.