Join Lisa Johnson, BA, SRS, LATg for a walkthrough of the Academy of Surgical Research's (ASR) certification exams to prepare individuals on what to expect.

This webinar will summarize the topics covered on each of the certification exams offered by ASR, give a brief review of what is covered in each topic, and provide a few sample questions for each subject. There will also be a discussion on test taking tips and what to expect on the day of the exam.

Key Topics:

- Subjects/topics covered on the three exams

- Learn test taking tips

- Key references to use during studying

Jon Ehrmann, BS, SRS, SRA, LATg presents the use of vascular access buttons in rabbits as a solution to challenges in venipuncture, enhancing blood collection, and intravenous administration for pharmacokinetic studies.

Rabbits are commonly used for pharmacokinetic (PK) and toxicokinetic (TK) studies in the research setting, requiring repetitive venipuncture, which can be challenging in this species. The auricular vessels are commonly used for venipuncture in rabbits. The repetitive access of these delicate vessels can lead to trauma such as hematomas causing venipuncture to become more challenging as the study progresses. In turn, this leads to missed time points or insufficient blood samples.

Surgical models for chronic vascular access in rabbits are common throughout the industry. Common models include exteriorized vascular catheters and implanted vascular access ports. However, these implants come with their own complications and restrictions when used in rabbits. Therefore, the use of a vascular access button, an implant commonly used in small rodents, was initiated as a refinement to the current chronic models in use in the industry. The rabbits tolerate the buttons extremely well with minimal issues. The patency rate is equal to or better than vascular access ports and when used with the tethering system, provides a hands-off method for blood collection and intravenous administration in rabbits during PK studies.

Key Topics:

- Anesthetic and analgesic protocols for minor surgical procedures in rabbits

- The use of a rigid scope for tracheal intubation in rabbits

- The implantation of dual channel (arterial & venous) vascular access buttons (VAB) in rabbits

- Aseptic technique and maintenance of VABs for longterm patency

- The use of VABs for pharmacokinetic studies via a magnetic tethering device

Adrian Zeltner, SRT discusses the innovative use of the Rat Vascular Access Button in Göttingen Minipigs to streamline blood sampling and infusion.

Infusion and serial blood sampling are often important technical aspects of an experimental design. Superficial vessels in the minipig are few and frequently accessing them is a challenge. Although minipigs have a convenient size for handling, restraint and venipuncture can be stressful and affect blood parameters. Therefore, when experiments require infusion or frequent blood sampling, catheterization is often the best option, both ethically and scientifically.

The implantation of Vascular Access ports and Seldinger Catheters is described and published in various variations. To add another option when choosing the optimal study design, the Rat Vascular Access Button™ in Göttingen Minipigs was tested. The port allows up to four catheters to be connected and opens the possibility to sample and dose via one port but through different catheters. Adrian did several preliminary studies before the system had matured to be used in proper pharmacokinetic studies. Based on feedback from these studies, the implantation procedure has been continuously refined and improved. This has resulted in more than 200 Göttingen Minipigs that have been successfully implanted with Vascular Access Buttons.

Key Topics:

- Understand the challenges and limitations of traditional blood sampling and infusion methods in Göttingen Minipigs

- Explore the advantages and adaptability of the Rat Vascular Access Button for efficient blood sampling and dosing

- Strategies for thinking outside the box to enhance experimental design in animal studies

In this webinar, Melanie Graham, MPH, PhD highlights the benefits and reliability of using vascular access ports (VAPs) in animal models.

Animals in experimental setting often require repeated and prolonged vascular access for indications including blood sampling or administration of fluids, blood products, medication, or other therapies. A vascular access approach should be tailored to experimental or clinical use, meeting the needs of the individual animal, such that benefits outweigh risks with optimal device and placement technique is based on the specific anatomic sites and planned use.

Totally implanted vascular access ports (VAPs) enable reliable access for frequent sample collection and/or intravenous therapies, minimize discomfort, and minimize physiologic changes which can confound biologic data and drug responses. VAPs facilitate species’ typical behavior and social group activities and are compatible with animal enrichment programs that include play and swim since there are no externalized components. VAPs are typically used long-term and demonstrate excellent durability with high patency and low complication rates over time, presenting a safe and dependable vascular access approach.

Key Topics:

- Indications and advantages of portal vascular access

- Surgical approach and technique

- Post operative care and management