Tracheal Cannulation in Rabbit Model: A Procedure to Insert Tracheal Cannula into the Rabbit Trachea

Abstract

Source: Pacheco-Baltazar A, et al. Isolated Lung Perfusion System in the Rabbit Model. J. Vis. Exp. (2021).

This video demonstrates the surgical creation of an opening in the rabbit trachea to insert a tracheal cannula for artificially ventilating the lungs.

Protocol

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

1. Surgical extraction of the cardiopulmonary block.

1. Anesthesia:
   1. Use a combination of a sedative (xylazine) and a barbiturate (pentobarbital).
      NOTE: Different anesthetic cocktails can be used with no effect on experimental outcomes.
   2. First, sedate the healthy New Zealand rabbits with a single intramuscular injection of xylazine hydrochloride (3-5 mg/kg). Ensure that the rabbits remain calm and relaxed to allow further manipulation after a f....

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
New Zeland rabbits	NA	NA
Tracheal Cannula for Rabbit, OD 5.0 mm	Hugo Sachs Elektronik (HSE)	73-4163
PROCIN (Xylacine clorhydrate)	PISA	Q-7833-099
PISABENTAL (Pentobarbital sodium)	PISA	Q-7833-215
Scalpel knife	NA	NA
Surgical gloves No. 8	NA	NA