Keep primates safe and happy with group-housed ambulatory infusion studies.

We'll guide you through the steps so that you can build the non-human primate ambulatory system that suits your study. From choosing the right pump, to creating a safe, comfortable, and functional jacket, we're here to help.

Ambulatory Infusion System for NHPs

The primate infusion system shown here covers a majority of protocols. Ambulatory infusion for primates is often the preferred choice because it reduces stress and makes it possible to group-house monkeys during the study. We can help you customize the options for the catheter, catheter access, pumps and more based on:

  • Volume & Flow Rate
  • Weight of the animal
  • Study duration
  • Group-housing or single-housing
  • Intermittent or Continuous Catheter Access

To learn more about all options, keep reading below. Or, reach out to our experienced staff for advice.

Build a Non-Human Primate Infusion System

Your step-by-step guide to building a safe, effective ambulatory infusion system for monkey studies.

Pumps

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 It is essential for animal health and welfare that pump weight is below 10% of the animal body weight. Remember to include the filled pump reservoir in this calculation. If you cannot find a pump that meets this requirement, you may need to consider tethered infusion instead.

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  • Extremely Lightweight 141g
  • Flow rates from 0.01-35mL/hr
  • 50mL Reservoir
  • BlueTooth + Software Option
  • Rental Option Available
  • Ideal for: this versatile pump is good for animals in a range of sizes, including primates that weigh 2kg or less. With flexible flow-rates, and optional software, it's ideal for standard infusion, group housing studies, and safety pharmacology studies.

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  • Extremely Lightweight 141g
  • Flow rates from 0.005-5mL/hr
  • Suitable for primates <2kg
  • 20mL Reservoirs
  • BlueTooth + Software Option
  • Great for Intrathecal Infusion
  • Ideal for: CNS studies. This pump is our smallest available due to the small syringe size. It's great for studies that require very low flow rates, such as those used for dosing in the ventricular system for CNS delivery.

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  • Small and lightweight at 382g
  • Can only be used with primates >4kg
  • Flow rates from 0.1-125 ml/hr
  • 50, 100, or 250mL Cassettes
  • Rental Option Available
  • Ideal for: Labs that use a variety of species. It can be used for everything from large primates to full size pigs. The range of flow rates and high volume options make it an excellent overall laboratory pump.

Jackets

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The right jacket ensures animal safety and comfort. The jacket needs to be appropriately sized for the animal, and then adjusted to suit your pump type, location and your housing type. To perform group-housing studies, it is necessary to add extra jacket features that will protect the pumps from tampering or damage.

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  • Lightweight, breathable mesh
  • Sizes from less than 2kg to 25kg+
  • Optional sleeves/sleeve length
  • Sizing for cyno, rhesus, baboons and custom options
  • Can be color-coded for easy group identification

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  • Removeable or Attached Pockets
  • Insulating options to manage temperature of the pump and reservoir
  • Protective options including locks and double zippers
  • Custom channels to feed tubing
  • Attach 1 or 2, depending on pump and reservoir choices

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  • Undershirts and t-shirts improve animal comfort
  • Jackets and undershirts can be customized for your fluid lines
  • Colored jackets and pockets to better track study groups
  • All designs completely customizable

Catheter Placement

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The site of your catheter can be based on the study duration, the experience of your surgeon, or the size of the animal. The most common site for indwelling catheters in primates infusion models is the femoral vein or jugular vein.

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  • Biocompatible catheters are made from polyurethane (silicone options available)
  • Sizes from 3-7 Fr, or custom options available
  • Rounded tip catheters minimize trauma
  • Tapered catheters make implantation simple and safe
  • Optional female luer attachment
  • Ideal for: the femoral vein is relatively easy to access and is ideal for infusion studies or for blood collection.

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  • Primate JVCs made of biocompatible polyurethane
  • Standard sizes from 3-5 Fr, or custom options available
  • All catheters can be customized to fit your species, strain and size requirements.
  • Ideal for: Infusion. While the jugular vein is easy to access, it can be prone to kinking due to position of the head and neck.

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We offer a wide range of standard and customizable catheters for primates, including:

Externalization

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How to externalize the catheter is an important, but challenging decision. The most common options include Vascular Access Ports (VAPs) or a luer hub on an externalized catheter. Miniaturized Catheter Access Ports are also growing in popularity for large animals after being originally developed for rodents.

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VAPs or Vascular Access Ports are designed to permit repeated access to the vascular system with minimal pain and distress.  

  • Three options available, but our most popular for primates is the P.A.S. Port Elite
  • VAPs are situated under the skin
  • A non-coring (Huber) needle is required to access the VAP without causing damage
  • Ideal for: Long term studies with intermittent access, especially if there are several days between access. VAPs are also perfect for studies that require group housing; since the port sits below the skin, it is protected from damage

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Luer Injection Valves (LIV) can be connected to an externalized catheter for quick, clean, easy access.

  • Minimal added volume
  • Hubs are easy to swab for clean access
  • No special tools or needle sticks required
  • Ideal for: Shorter term studies. The catheter externalizes outside of the body and this makes it more vulnerable than a VAP. However, externalized catheters can be easier to use for repeated access studies, even if they are long term, since they can be easily accessed with a standard syringe. Keep in mind that LIVs can be harder to keep clean and secure.

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Catheter Access Buttons™ are halfway between a VAP and an externalized catheter. The catheter connection sits beneath the skin, but the access port is externalized.  

  • 1, 2 and 3 port options available
  • SAI buttons incorporate CannuLock™ technology for the most secure catheter connection
  • Ingrowth cuff promotes fast healing with low incidence of seromas
  • Ideal for: Repeated access studies, or animals that are needle-shy.
  • NOTE: This product was developed for rodents, and would need to be very well protected if placed in a primate model. Additionally, the tubing diameter can be too small for high flow or high viscosity solutions.

Software & Support

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To take your studies to the next level, take advantage of our service and support options. We can help with proprietary software, pump calibration services and rental options that will keep your lab running smoothly.

Software

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  • Compatible with SAI 3D MiniBT and SAI 3D MicroBT pumps only. BT denotes BlueTooth enabled
  • Manage and modify flow rates throughout the study
  • Monitor study progress
  • Export data for reports
  • Ideal for: Studies that require minimal human interaction, such as safety pharmacology or other stress sensitive studies. The low flow rates for these pumps also make them ideal of intrathecal infusion

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Using your pumps properly and keeping them in good working order are essential for successful studies. We offer pump repairs and calibration for a variety of pumps, inlcuding the CADD 6500. We can also help with surgical sevices and equipment training to make sure you get started on the right foot.

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Need to increase capacity without adding to your capital budget? SAI offers a variety of pumps for rent.

  • Rental on a per month basis
  • Pumps arrive ready for immediate use with verification paperwork
  • Add to your current capacity or rent enough to run full studies

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