One Channel Vascular Access Button™ for Mice

One Channel Vascular Access Button™ for Mice

The mouse VAB™ is a transcutaneous button that permits quick, aseptic access to a catheterized vessel either directly with a syringe or outside the cage via a tether. Applications include infusion, blood sampling and IV self-administration.

The design features magnets for ease of use and animal welfare. A 14mm disk, made of either surgical polyester felt or a silicone mesh, holds the button in place under the skin. Catheters attach to a 22ga or 25ga connector under the disk. Our mouse catheters are designed for a perfect fit onto these connectors.

Access the miniature PinPort™ built into the button directly using a syringe fitted with a mating PinPort™ injector or extension set. Use the VABMG tool to hold the button and mouse magnetically without hemostats. Connect a tether (VABM1T) with a 25ga swivel for continuous access; the tether connects magnetically to minimize force on the animal. Use the one of five coloured aluminium VABM1C-5 caps to protect the button when group housing mice.

Also available in a two channel version for simultaneous infusion and sampling. Several animal vendors can install the mouse VAB™ as a surgical service so that the animals arrive at your site recovered from surgery and ready for use.

Features and Benefits

• 14mm polyester surgical felt disk implanted under the skin
• 22ga or 25ga catheter connectors
• Catheters are not exposed, preventing evaporation and improving patency
• Closed system allows aseptic technique and positive pressure technique which can improve patency 5x over standard externalized catheters (see CRL poster below)
• Group house using the protective cap
• Order animals from Charles River, Envigo or The Jackson Laboratory with the buttons installed as a surgical service

NOTE:

In October 2019 Instech released an improved design of the magnetic one channel mouse Vascular Access Buttons™ in both silicon and felt, as well as the protective aluminum caps. No changes to surgical procedures should be required. Other than the addition of the multi-colored caps, no part numbers changed.

The Improved Button

Refinements:

• Smaller flange
• Gold plated magnet for durability
• Base area around which skin is closed reduced by 40%
• Available in silicone or felt
• .27g weight – 10% lighter

Protective Caps in Full Colour

• Four new colors – five colors total – quick and easy identification
• .32 grams – 40% lighter