Chronic subcutaneous implantation of a blood vessel catheter injection cap.

A technique was devised for chronic subcutaneous implantation of a blood vessel catheter-injection cap. The device consisted of a disposable injection cap and blunt needle, which had been coated with silicone medical adhesive, and a silicone rubber catheter, which was attached to the blunt needle. The catheter was surgically placed in a blood vessel, and the injection cap was left in the subcutaneous pocket. For usage, such as blood sample collection for measurement of pressure, a hypodermic needle with a 3-way stopcock attached was pushed through the skin and into the injection cap. After the procedure was completed, the catheter was flushed with diluted heparin solution, and the hypodermic needle was pulled out. This has been used in dogs and sheep for as long as 8 weeks.