This practical checklist was developed from decades of production-level surgical experience and is designed to help research teams identify potential gaps before studies begin. Rather than focusing on individual procedures, it encourages teams to evaluate the complete catheterization workflow—from planning and surgical readiness through recovery, maintenance, documentation, and study execution.

Whether you’re establishing a new catheterization program or refining an existing workflow, this resource provides a simple framework for preparing teams, standardizing practices, and reducing avoidable variability before the first animal enters the surgical suite.

What You’ll Find

This checklist helps teams review key considerations across every stage of study preparation, including:

• Study design and protocol readiness
• Surgical planning and team preparation
• Recovery and post-operative monitoring
• Catheter maintenance and long-term patency
• Documentation and study records
• Final readiness checks before study initiation