A new method of orotracheal intubation in mice

A. Vergari, B. Gunnella, F. Rodolà, L. Frassanito, M. Musumeci*, S. Palazzesi*, I.A. Casalinuovo**

Istituto di Anestesiologia e Rianimazione, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Catholic University “Sacro Cuore” – Rome (Italy)
* Laboratorio di Farmacologia, Istituto Superiore di Sanità – Rome (Italy)
** Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, University of Rome “Tor Vergata” – Rome (Italy)

---

• Anesthesiology

Abstract. – A new method of orotracheal intubation in mice is described. After intraperitoneal induction of anaesthesia, 36 male animals, belonging to common laboratory strains, have been intubated with the aid of a straight, small bore arthroscope, connected to a video-camera. After the insertion of a guide wire of appropriate size across the vocal cords, a polyethylene (PE) cannula has been introduced over it as an endotracheal tube. Success rate has been 100% both in first intubations and in re-intubations; all procedures have been performed in a mean time of about 3 min. Post-mortem examination of mice did not show any significant damage to upper airway mucosae related to the technique.

Free PDF Download