This 32 gauge Intrathecal Catheter is the key component of a delivery system specifically developed for use in the rat and other small research animals. A significant advancement over the standard polyethylene-based products generally used for such research, its material and size combine to produce a minimally reactive device, thereby reducing cath-eter induced histopathology that could obscure other observations. Functional studies might also benefit from these properties as subclinical nerve injury could potentially alter the behavioral response to an intrathecal agent.
While studying the effects of intrathecally-injected anesthetics, researchers at the University of California at San Francisco encountered morphologic changes ap-parently induced by the implanted catheter. Micor was approached for its assistance in identifying a material that could reduce the nerve damage that was observed. These efforts suggested that 32 gauge polyurethane had the desired properties. (See graph.) Accordingly, a study was conducted comparing catheters composed of this material versus polyethylene or polyamide. Although sensory function did not differ significantly, nerve injury was substantially lower in animals implanted with 32 gauge polyurethane catheters.1
This material is now incorporated into a commercially available device, the 32 gauge Intrathecal Catheter System. This system contains an
11.7 cm (4.6 in) catheter, a bonded connection assembly, and a stylet to facilitate placement. It is individually packaged and sterilized. Other configurations available.