Immobilization of a chronic intravenous catheter in the saphenous vein of African green and rhesus monkeys.

Long-term immobilization of intravenous catheters in the saphenous vein of nonhuman primates was accomplished through the application of a lightweight fiberglass tape casting system developed for human orthopedic use. The advantages of this technique are that it (a) permits successful retention of superficial vein catheters, (b) eliminates the need for deep vessel surgical procedures when only blood collection or perfusion protocols are being implemented and (c) permits repeated use of a single preparation without maintaining the animal under rigid restraint.