European surgical research. Europäische chirurgische Forschung. Recherches chirurgicales européennes
-
Anatomical features of the oral fissure and pharynx of rabbits make orotracheal intubation a difficult task with a high failure rate. We have developed a versatile technique for retrograde intubation of rabbits which consists of the following steps: (1) assessment of the trachea through a cervicotomy (2) insertion of a guidewire into its lumen, (3) delivery of the guide through the mouth, and (4) introduction of the orotracheal tube over the guide. ⋯ No complications related to this technique were observed during a follow-up period of 5-14 days. The described technique is a simple and safe method to access the airways of rabbits and can be useful in chronic experiments.
-
Hypertonic/hyperoncotic solutions (e.g. HHS: 7.2% NaCl/10% dextran-60) are highly effective to normalize cardiovascular function in hemorrhagic shock due to rapid mobilization of fluid from the extravascular compartment. Since experiences are limited with regard to potential side effects of this treatment on the central nervous system, the present studies were carried out under particular consideration of the cerebral blood flow and O2 supply. ⋯ Hemorrhagic hypovolemia which led to a left shift of the cerebral PO2 histogram was followed by gradual normalization after fluid resuscitation. The current findings taken together do not indicate adverse side effects of this efficient method of fluid resuscitation with regard to the cerebral blood and O2 supply. The results make worthwhile further investigations on HHS in the presence of a focal brain lesion causing brain edema to find out whether the HHS are useful also for the treatment of intracranial hypertension.