Build a primate infusion system that supports animal welfare and protects research staff.

Design a safe and effective non-human primate infusion system that suits your staff and study needs.

Tethered Infusion System for NHPs

More researchers are moving toward ambulatory infusion studies in primates, and in some parts of the world, regulation requires group housing of NHPs. However, there are some occasions where ambulatory infusion isn't an option. Tethered infusion makes it easier to administer large volumes, and makes changing syringes and pump settings fast and simple. With all primate studies, the focus is on creating a safe and healthy environment for both the monkey and the researchers. A common primate tethered infusion configuration is shown here, but we can help you choose the best options for your protocol based on:

  • Cage Size
  • Volume & Flow Rate
  • Animal Weight
  • Long Term or Short Term Study
  • Intermittent or Continuous Infusion

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

Build a Tethered Infusion System for Non-Human Primates

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

Infusion Pumps

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In a tethered study, the pump is situated outside of the cage, keeping it protected from animal interference. Because of this, the decision on which pump to use is based largely on the volume and flow rate needed for the protocol. We offer pumps that work for a variety of species and we offer rental options to increase short-term capacity.

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  • SAI 3D- With a small footprint and multiple mounting positions, this pump is ideal for space-challenged animal rooms. Best for GLP studies, including large scale infusion protocols. Optional management software and maintenance plans.
  • CADD 6500- These pumps use medication cassettes instead of syringes, making it possible to connect them to medication bags for volumes larger than 250 mL. It's also possible to use this pump in ambulatory studies if the primate is greater than 2.5 kg.
  • The options above are customer favorites for tethered primate infusion systems, but you can see all of our pump options here.

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Pump rental makes it possible to add lab capacity while saving money. We offer several pumps that are ideal for primate infusion studies.

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To keep your pumps in good working order, take advantage or our pump repair and calibration services. We service a variety of pumps, and can provide paperwork to support your regulated studies.

For GLP studies, data management is made easy with our software. The SAI 3D Programmable Pump works with Axios™ Infusion Management Software is a networked software platform that makes it possible to monitor and control 600 or more SAI 3D™ syringe per room and access them from any computer on the Axios™   Network.

Jackets

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Primates are both incredibly smart and highly active. The right primate jacket keeps the animal and the catheter lines safe, but also provides comfort and freedom of movement. When working with a tethered infusion system, the tether end-plate should be integrated into the jacket so that it is completely secure.  

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  • Flexible and durable design combines lightweight, breathable mesh and soft cotton jersey
  • Sizes from 2kg to 25kg+ including options for cynomolgus (macaques), rhesus, baboons and squirrel monkeys
  • Optional sleeves/sleeve length
  • Can be color-coded for easy group identification

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  • Stainless Steel Tethers connect between the jacket and the swivel
  • Ultra-strong, but flexible, the tether can withstand the rigors of active primates
  • The Tether End Plate is integrated directly into the jacket and provides a strong base of support
  • Available in three standard diameters to accommodate the extension line(s) required for your study
  • Lengths up to 5ft, with custom options available to suit your cage

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  • Large Animal Swivels are available in high impact plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel options are more robust, but higher cost.
  • 1,2 or 3 channel configurations depending on the total number of fluid lines used in the study
  • Can be sterilized
  • 16-20 gauge connections- sizing depends on the type of tubing being used

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For primate IV infusion, the indwelling catheter is typically placed in the jugular (JVC) or femoral vein (FVC). However, the placement depends on both the study needs and the surgeon preference. See our full line of primate catheters here or contact us to request a custom option.

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  • Biocompatible polyurethane catheters are designed to enhance patency and minimize vessel trauma
  • Sizes from 3-5 Fr, or custom options available
  • Features suture beads to secure the catheter tip in the JVC
  • Optional female luer injection valve or can be fitted to VAP (see below)
  • 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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  • Rounded tip catheters minimize trauma
  • Tapered catheters make implantation simple and safe
  • Biocompatible catheters are made from polyurethane (silicone options available)
  • Sizes from 3-7 Fr, or custom options available
  • Ideal for: the femoral vein is relatively easy to access and is ideal for infusion studies or for blood collection.

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See our full line of catheters for primates, including:

Externalization

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The most common options for catheter externalization include Vascular Access Ports (VAPs) or a luer hub on an externalized catheter. Many researchers prefer the VAP for primates because it makes group housing easier during recovery periods. The right choice for your study depends on the requirements of your protocol.

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  • For NHPs, the P.A.S. Port Elite VAP is a popular choice due to the low profile
  • VAPs are positioned in the subcutaneous space and the skin is completely closed
  • A Huber Needle is required to access the VAP
  • The connecting catheter can be made to order and may include special design features to ensure a good fit on the VAP
  • Ideal for: VAPs are ideal for studies that require group housing; animals can be housed together without protective jackets since the port is protected under the skin. This is also the preferred option for long term studies with intermittent catheter access.

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  • Hubs are easy to swab for clean access
  • Luer Injection Valves (LIVs) can be accessed with a slip tip or luer-lok syringe- no needles 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. The Luer option is the common approach for Ear Vein Catheterizations.

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Clean, easy catheter access is a must for all species, but especially important for monkey studies. Use some of the tools below to ensure staff and animal safety:

  • Non-coring needles are essential for VAP access, we offer straight, 90 degree and infusion set options.
  • SMV Blood Sampling Syringes are a collection syringe and vial all-in-one. This system reduces the risk of needle-stick incidence while providing flexible and easy blood collection.
  • Catheter Maintenance Kits can be made to order with the solutions and syringe tips that match your study. These kits are assembled in a carefully controlled laboratory to ensure clean catheter access.

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The tubing and connectors used in an infusion study might seem like an afterthought, but it's an integral part of the system. We offer options in varying materials so that you can find tubing that is compatible with your compound. Lengths and fittings can be customized for clean and easy connections between the catheter, tether, swivel and pumps.

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  • Micro Flow and High Flow options are available.
  • Lengths from 4" to 60" available, or custom order to suit your system
  • Light shielding tubing option for photosensitive compounds
  • Luer attachment or press fit styles
  • Note: With a tethered system, it's important to chose tubing that is compatible with the stainless steel tether. Some connectors are too large to fit through the inner diameter.

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  • These fluid lines are sized to friction fit with the swivel gauge pin.
  • The opposite connection end terminates with a female luer to connect to any syringe.
  • Standard sizes from 17-25 Gauge
  • Standard Lengths from 12-60"
  • All tubing can be customized to fit your infusion system

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Tubing can be made more funtional with caps, connectors and ports:

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