The design of the pressure implant provides optimum performance when monitoring physiologic pressures in laboratory animals. The sensitivity of the device is largely dependent upon the terminal end of the pressure-sensing catheter. Normal catheter manipulations can result in the inclusion of air bubbles, blood components, or foreign materials into the biocompatible gel. This document will provide guidelines for the maintenance of the pressure-sensing region of the catheter, specifically replacing lost gel and displacing gel inclusions. The sensitive nature of this catheter design necessitates caution while performing these procedures. 

There are two components of the pressure-sensing region of the terminal end of the catheter. The sensing region contains a viscous plug of biocompatible gel and a reservoir of non-compressible fluid. At the interface between these two components is a meniscus that is visible to the naked eye. The gel plug measures 6.5 mm in length for standard catheters and 5.25 mm for left ventricular pressure catheters; the proximal portion of the catheter contains fluid.

The recommended needle choice for  regelling a large animal catheter is the blunt-edge, lavender hub, 30-gauge needle provided with the regel syringe. The blunt-edging will help prevent damage to the catheter.

Figure 1:  Systemic Blood Pressure Catheter (Top), Left Ventricular Pressure Catheter (Bottom)

With clean, gloved hands, make sure air is not present in the regel syringe by pressing the plunger on the syringe and expelling a small amount of gel out the tip of the needle. Making certain not to touch the catheter edges with the needle, very carefully and slowly insert the tip of the needle into the catheter. Advance the tip of the needle until it rests just below the surface of the remaining gel (or below the surface of any blood, foreign material, or air bubbles remaining in the tip). Use gentle pressure to begin expressing gel into the catheter. Continue to inject the gel while gently withdrawing the needle from the catheter. Once the catheter tip is full of gel and air bubbles or foreign material are no longer present, gently remove any excess gel on the outside of the catheter tip. The device is now ready for implantation or resterilization if the device is being reused.