Long-term venous access in rhesus monkeys.

Long-term, intermittent, intravenous infusion of substances, such as amphotericin B, with a high potential for causing peripheral vein thrombophlebitis was feasible by means of a subcutaneously implanted silastic reservoir catheter device, which gave access to the central venous compartment. The implanted reservoirs withstood at least 100 percutaneous entries with a 27-gauge needle; injections were carried out by using an infusion pump. With precautions taken to prevent infection, clotting, or the formation of precipitates in the catheter, the device permitted easy intravenous injection and was well tolerated.