In preclinical pharmacology and toxicology, surgical models must be both precise and reliable — especially when the goal is to study hepatic metabolism, biliary excretion, or mass balance.  Rodent bile duct cannulation (BDC) is one such model that demands a high level of surgical skill, rigorous technique, and unwavering attention to animal welfare.

At Preclinical Research Associates (PRA), we specialize in performing these complex surgeries onsite at your facility, helping research teams eliminate variability, reduce animal stress, and generate cleaner, more reproducible data.

As central nervous system (CNS) research continues to expand, precise delivery of therapeutics and accurate sampling from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are essential. One method that supports these goals in preclinical studies is intrathecal catheterization in rodents. At Preclinical Research Associates (PRA), we specialize in performing this complex procedure onsite, giving research teams the tools they need to explore neuropharmacology, pain management, gene therapy, and more.

What Is Intrathecal Catheterization?

Intrathecal catheterization involves the surgical placement of a catheter into the subarachnoid space of the spinal cord, allowing for direct access to the CSF. This enables:

  • Precise CNS drug delivery
  • Chronic dosing or infusion into the CSF
  • CSF collection for biomarker or pharmacokinetic analysis
  • Improved translational relevance for CNS-targeted therapies

When compared to systemic delivery, access allows for higher CNS drug concentrations with reduced peripheral exposure.

Technical Overview

The procedure is typically performed in rats or mice using sterile technique and general anesthesia:

  1. Anesthesia & Positioning: The animal is anesthetized and positioned to expose the lumbar region.
  2. Surgical Access: A small incision is made, and anatomical landmarks are used for catheter placement.
  3. Catheter Placement: A flexible catheter is inserted into the intrathecal space and advanced.
  4. Exteriorization: The catheter is tunneled subcutaneously and exteriorized for dosing or sampling access.This catheter can be paired with a vascular or Cisterna Magna catheter to facilitate sampling. When paired with a sampling button increased patency and reliability can prolong studies and reduce stress for the animal and the technicians.
  5. Post-Operative Monitoring: Animals are monitored closely and provided analgesia to ensure a smooth recovery.

At PRA, we use medical-grade materials and refined techniques to optimize catheter placement, patency, and animal welfare.

Applications

Intrathecal catheter models support a wide range of CNS studies, including:

  • Analgesic and anesthetic drug evaluation
  • CNS-targeted gene or cell therapies
  • Neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration models
  • Delivery of antisense oligonucleotides or biologics
  • Pharmacokinetics and CSF biomarker studies

The PRA Advantage

Partnering with PRA for intrathecal models means:

  • Surgical precision from experienced, onsite teams
  • Consistent catheter placement and reduced variability
  • NO post-surgical animal transport stress
  • Support with study planning, catheter care, and sampling protocols
  • Commitment to the 3Rs and highest standards of animal welfare

Whether you’re conducting exploratory research or regulatory studies, our team delivers high-quality, reproducible models to help you move forward with confidence.

Preclinical Research Associates

We ship the surgeon, not the animal.

www.prasurgical.com

info@prasurgical.com