Chronic Catheterization of Pulmonary and Systemic Circulations: A Technique for Repeated Measurement of Cardiac Output and Pulmonary and Systemic Pressures in the Unanesthetized Dog

Abstract

A technique for introduction and long-continued maintenance of plastic catheters in the pulmonary and systemic circulations and other locations in the vascular system of the dog has been developed. A left thoracotomy was used to insert a catheter through the infundibular area of the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery; direct placement of catheters in the aorta and left auricle was readily accomplished. In order to avoid thoracotomy, soft polyvinyl catheters were inserted into the external jugular vein, floated into the pulmonary artery and passed through the carotid artery into the aorta. They have been maintained for 3–6 months. This preparation has made possible long-term studies of cardiovascular functions and studies of the cardiovascular system of the unanesthetized dog. Submitted on September 25, 1956