Intrathecal implantation surgical considerations in rodents; a review

Intrathecal access in humans is a routine clinical intervention. However, intrathecal access is limited to drug delivery purposes in rodents, and intrathecal implantation is not a common surgical practice. Preclinically, we have successfully adopted different intrathecal implantation surgical methods for different implant materials in rodents. However, employing the appropriate intrathecal implantation method is a challenging process for surgeons, which includes several steps such as preoperative evaluations and postoperative care. The aim of this review is to define and compare the major documented surgical approaches applicable for intrathecal implantation in rodents along with the associated side effects, as well as highlighting the critical preoperative and postoperative considerations. Overall, this review will provide surgeons with the principles of intrathecal implantation approaches applicable for different implant materials. •Intrathecal implantation in rodent is a challenging preclinical surgical practice.•Sustainable preoperative and intraoperative procedures are defined.•Major intrathecal implantation procedures in rodents are presented.•Common side effects of the implantation are presented.