INTRATHECAL CANNULATION
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INTRATHECAL CANNULATION GENERAL ITEMS
 - ALZET Osmotic Pumps*
 - ALZET Rat Intrathecal Catheter* (item #0007740)
 - Homeothermic pad
 - Sterile drape
 - Sterile gauze, cotton swabs
 - Hair clippers (#40 blade)
 - 70% ethanol
 - Betadine solution
 - Cotton-tipped applicator
 - Glass bead sterilizer 
 - Ocular lubricant ALZET SURGICAL INSTRUCTION SHEET The following is a description of the basic surgical procedure for the intrathecal catheterization of the rat via the cisterna magna. Aseptic surgical skills are required to ensure rodent survival.This procedure is to be used only as a guideline for intrathecal cannulation. Pump Preparation ( refer to the package insert for complete filling instructions ) - Fill the empty ALZET pump with your vehicle or drug solution using a syringe and filling tube according to the procedure listed in the package insert included in your box of pumps. - Insert the flow moderator into the filled ALZET pump until the cap or flange is flush with the top of the pump. - Prime the filled pumps in sterile saline at 37°C. - Refer to your package insert for the appropriate period of priming. Most pumps require at least an overnight priming period. 
 Catheter Preparation SURGICAL TOOLS
 - Wound Clips (7mm for mice 9mm for rats)*
 - Wound Clip Applier, Remover*
 - Stereotaxic apparatus
 - Scalpel blade (#15), handle (#3)
 - Serrated forceps
 - Suture (absorbable)
 - Suture needle
 - Hemostat (straight tip)
 - 23 or 25 gauge needle (bent) * Available from DURECT Corp. (877-922-5938, alzetcs@durect.com) - Measure the catheter and cut the distal end (pump attachment portion) to the desired length for intrathecal cannulation. - The stylette must not protrude from the catheter. It should be approximately 1-2 mm from the tip.
 Anesthesia (Consult your staff Veterinarian for the appropriate anesthetic dose to use for your study animals) - Anesthetize the animal using either an inhalable (i.e., Isoflurane) or injectable (i.e., Xylazine® and Ketamine®, or sodium pentobarbital) anesthetic. Surgical Preparation - Shave and clean the head and neck. - Using a sterile swab, disinfect the incision site with 70% ethanol by working outwardly in ever widening circles. With a new sterile swab, apply iodine over the proposed incision site in a similar fashion. Repeat the ethanol and iodine scrub one more time. - Position the animal in a stereotaxic apparatus ensuring that 1) the head is symmetrical in the device, 2) the pinnas are in a normal, relaxed position, 3) there is no exopthalmus, 4) the head moves freely up and down, but does not move laterally. - Apply ocular lubricant to the eye. DURECT CORPORATION | 10260 BUBB ROAD | CUPERTINO CA, 95014-4166 T: 408.367.4036 F: 408.865.1406 TOLL FREE 8

INTRATHECAL CANNULATION ALZET SURGICAL INSTRUCTION SHEET - Mild twitching of musculature or resistance as the catheter is advanced may be observed. Muscular twitching may signal stimulation of spinal nerves. The spinal nerves may be damaged if the catheter is further advanced. If resistance is felt stop immediately and pull back on the catheter a small amount and try to advance again. - The animal’s head may be lowered or the thorax may be raised or lengthened to facilitate the advancement of the catheter. - Once the catheter has been fully advanced, slowly remove the stylette from the...