Long term catheterization of the portal vein in cats

Abstract

A method of chronic catheterization of the major blood vessels, including the portal vein, may be successfully used for studying the interstitial metabolism and hemodynamics. For catheterization of the portal vein in cats in conditions of chronic experiment we used catheters made of polyethylene, 1–1.5 mm in diameter and 120–180 mm in length with a dilatation at the peripheral end. The catheter was introduced surgically through one of the branches of the mesenteric vein with the aid of a special guide. To avoid thrombosis during the postoperative period the catheters were washed once in 2–3 days with heparin solution (400–500 units/ml).