KRUUSE I Infusion Placement Procedure Before placing the catheter, be sure to pre-flush catheter and extension line with warm heparinised saline to avoid air and clotting in the system. If using alcohol, avoid soaking the entire leg, as it cools down the patient. Auricular or marginal ear vein runs along the outermost (caudal) part of the part of the pinna. It is very important not to mistake it with the ear artery, that runs in the center of the pinna and is larger. This vein is fine for a short-term placement, but less suitable for long-term catheterisation. 1 Clip and prepare the insertion site aseptically 2 Identify the insertion point and check if the size and length of the chosen catheter fits 3 Place a hand around the base of the pinna to stabilise the ear 4 Place thumb or index finger on the ear vein (by the base) to apply pressure and raise the vein 5 Create a free spot where the vein is visible and ideal for catheter insertion 6 Once the catheter is placed and blood runs freely, a cap or microbore connector is attached to the catheter 7 Place a small piece of rolled gauze on the inside of the ear to stabilise, and secure the catheter with tape around ear and gauze roll 8 Flush the catheter with the prepared warm heparinised saline Cephalic and lateral Saphenous vein (likely to be tolerated for longer than the Marginal Ear Vein) 1 Restrain the animal in sternal recumbency on a non-slide surface while attempting to maintain a low stress level 2 Hold the for -or hindlimb so the placement area is free. Clip the insertion point and prepare aseptically 3 If the skin seems a bit thick, as it can be in rabbits and ferrets, it is helpful to create a relief hole in the skin with a small gauze hypodermic needle for easier penetration 4 Once the vessel is identified and stabilised, insert and advance the IV catheter into place 5 When confirmed free running blood, attach cap, t-port, or similar extension line and flush with a small volume of heparinised saline 6 Fixate the catheter very lightly with tape and/or elastic tape www.kruuse.com
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