Permanent catheterization of aorta and pulmonary artery in the dog.

A method is presented for permanent catheterization of the aorta and the pulmonary artery in dogs. The preparation of single vessel catheters and double catheters for simultaneous arterial and venous sampling is described. The catheters, made of S-50-HL Tygon tubing, are introduced into the aorta and the pulmonary artery through the omocervical vessels, leaving the cerebral circulation intact. Removal of the catheter by the dog, thrombophlebitis and vascular embolism have not been observed. The catheters have remained functional for up to one year.