Carotid artery exteriorization for percutaneous catheterization in sheep and dogs

Summary and reliable physiologic or pharmacologic investigation in animal models often requires arterial catheterization in awake animal subjects. This can be facilitated by surgical exteriorization of the carotid artery for subsequent percutaneous catheterization. A simplified surgical procedure is described that has been demonstrated to have limited morbidity and excellent applicability for multiple use, as well as to ensure high blood flow rates when needed. The surgical technique involves transfer of the carotid artery from a deep paratracheal position to a ventrolateral neck subcutaneous position, protected from the underlying mattress sutures by the sternomastoid muscle.