Locating the Cisterna Magna in a Pig Model: A Surgical Method to Access the Cisterna Magna in a Pig Model for Direct Cannulation

Abstract

Source: Bèchet, N. B., et al. Direct Cannula Implantation in the Cisterna Magna of Pigs. J. Vis. Exp. (2021).

In this video, we describe a method to access the cisterna magna in a pig model. The cisterna magna is a preferred site for studies concerning cerebrospinal fluid.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.

1. Animal Preparation

1. Sedate a pig by intramuscular (i.m.) injection of tiletamine (3.75 mg/kg) and zolazepam (3.75 mg/kg) and dexmedetomidine (37.5 μg/kg). Wait for it to become unconscious.
2. Prepare an intravenous line by inserting a 20 G cannula into the ear vein.
   NOTE: Make sure the cannula is in the vein by injecting 5-10 mL of saline through the cannula. If the vein has been missed, this will be noticeable by small edema in the ear tissue.

Results

Figure 1. Cisterna magna cannulation in pigs. (A) Pig prepped prior to the start of the surgery and marked where dermal incisions will be performed starting from the occipital crest (OC) then posterior to thoracic vertebrae (TV) and later.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Anatomical forceps	NA	NA
Marker pen	NA	NA
No. 21 Scalpel blade	Agnthos	BB521
No. 4 Scalpel handle	Agnthos	10004-13
Self-retaining retractors	NA	NA
Surgical forceps	NA	NA