Which system allows repeated vascular access without restraining or anesthetizing the animal each time?

Which system allows repeated vascular access without restraining or anesthetizing the animal each time?

• A. Cut-down
• B. Vascular access port
• C. Tether
• D. Osmotic pump

Answer: (C)

A tether system is designed to provide repeated vascular access while the animal can move freely and without being restrained or anesthetized each time. It involves surgically placing a catheter connected to an external swivel and tether that the animal wears in its cage. The tether allows access to the vascular system whenever needed (for sampling or administration) without additional handling or sedation, reducing stress and disturbance to the animal between procedures. Other options don’t fit as well: a cut-down is a one-time surgical exposure that still requires anesthesia and further procedures for each access; an osmotic pump delivers continuous fluid over time rather than enabling frequent access; a vascular access port can be accessed without anesthesia but typically requires restraint or handling to connect a needle to the port for each use. The tether specifically enables repeated access with minimal disturbance.

A tether system is designed to provide repeated vascular access while the animal can move freely and without being restrained or anesthetized each time. It involves surgically placing a catheter connected to an external swivel and tether that the animal wears in its cage. The tether allows access to the vascular system whenever needed (for sampling or administration) without additional handling or sedation, reducing stress and disturbance to the animal between procedures.

Other options don’t fit as well: a cut-down is a one-time surgical exposure that still requires anesthesia and further procedures for each access; an osmotic pump delivers continuous fluid over time rather than enabling frequent access; a vascular access port can be accessed without anesthesia but typically requires restraint or handling to connect a needle to the port for each use. The tether specifically enables repeated access with minimal disturbance.