On-Demand Webinar: Best Practices in Vascular and Non-Vascular Catheterizations in Rodents

Catheterized models play a critical role in many preclinical studies, enabling repeat dosing, serial sampling, physiological monitoring, and long-term treatment protocols. However, successful catheterization studies require far more than technical surgical proficiency. Planning, device selection, recovery support, maintenance practices, and documentation all influence catheter patency, animal welfare, data quality, and overall study success.

In this on-demand webinar, Brad Gien, President of Preclinical Research Associates (PRA), discusses best practices for vascular and non-vascular catheterization in rodents, drawing on more than 27 years of experience in preclinical surgical research and model development. The session explores the complete catheterization lifecycle—from study planning and surgical execution through recovery, maintenance, troubleshooting, and long-term patency management.

Topics Discussed

Planning and preparation for successful catheterization studies
Catheter selection, route selection, and access system design
Surgical technique, aseptic practices, and recovery support
Long-term catheter maintenance and patency management
Common causes of catheter failure and troubleshooting approaches
Documentation, workflow standardization, and study readiness
Animal welfare and 3Rs considerations throughout the catheterization lifecycle
Strategies for improving reproducibility and reducing study variability

Key Themes from the Discussion

Catheterization Success Starts Before Surgery: Successful catheterization begins with preparation. Brad discussed the importance of protocol alignment, team readiness, defined responsibilities, recovery planning, and treating catheterization as a complete workflow rather than a standalone procedure.
Selecting the Right Catheter and Access Strategy: Catheter selection should be driven by study goals, route of administration, study duration, compound compatibility, and handling requirements. The session explored how these decisions can influence both study outcomes and long-term catheter performance.
Maintaining Long-Term Patency: Practical approaches to preserving catheter function, including flushing and locking strategies, aseptic access techniques, routine maintenance, and early intervention when complications arise.
Supporting Animal Welfare and Study Quality: Thoughtful planning, consistent surgical practices, and appropriate recovery support can improve animal welfare while reducing variability, minimizing attrition, and strengthening data quality.

Watch The Recording

About the Speaker

Brad Gien, BSc, CM

Expert in Production-Level Surgical Services, Preclinical Model Development, and Training

Brad Gien has more than 27 years of experience in preclinical surgical research and production-level surgical model development, with deep expertise in vascular and non-vascular catheterizations, cardiovascular models, and translational study support. As Founder & President of Preclinical Research Associates (PRA), he works with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO, and academic research teams to improve surgical reproducibility, operational efficiency, and animal welfare through standardized, onsite surgical support and collaborative study execution.