Ophtalmic Artery Microcatheterization for Research Purposes in Pigs. A Technical Note

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To describe a technique for micro catheterization of the external ophthalmic artery (EO) in pigs for investigational and training purposes. Methods: Carotid angiography was performed in seven male domestic pigs. The external ophthalmic artery was reached with a microcatheter in order to administer a neoplastic drug in the eye. Results: The external ophthalmic artery could be found arising from the infraorbital (IO) artery in the bend of the internal maxillary (IM) artery. It could be reached in every animal. Conclusion: Following anatomic landmarks of the external carotid (EC) artery the ophthalmic artery can be easily reached and catheterized for training and investigational purposes.

Keywords: :

• external ophthalmic artery
• microcatheters
• pig
• training
• neoplastic drug
• intra-arterial chemotherapy