EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES (cont)
When the catheter is in place you then remove the needle and attach the infusion set or syringe to the catheter hub. Tape the catheter and syringe securely to the animal. Venous catheters can be left in place for several days if adequately heparinized, capped and taped in place. A heparin lock device is used for long term catheterization. Apply an iodine gel to the injection site and use strict aseptic technique in flushing the catheter to help reduce the possibility of infection.
Butterfly or winged catheters facilitate venipuncture and can be used for short term venous catheterization. Since the rigid needle is in the vessel, longer term placement in an active animal is likely to result in vessel damage and hematoma formation.