Surgical Technique for the Implantation of a Wireless Telemetry Device on Pigs' Backs

Telemetry devices are essential for preclinical cardiovascular research, allowing for continuous monitoring of physiological parameters like electrocardiogram, temperature, and respiration in experimental animals without causing disruption. Traditional methods, such as intra-abdominal placement, can cause discomfort, particularly in pigs due to their habit of lying prone. To address this issue, a novel surgical technique was developed for implanting wireless telemetry devices in pigs, aimed at improving animal comfort and maintaining signal quality. This study involved 40 Yorkshire pigs (20-30 kg). The telemetry device was implanted in the back. A 2 inch incision was made lateral to the spine, followed by blunt dissection to create a pocket under the latissimus dorsi fascia. The pocket was treated with a vancomycin solution to prevent infection before device insertion. The leads were secured, and the site was closed in layers. All pigs showed strong, continuous telemetry signals after surgery. Over the 180-day follow-up period, only two cases of infection occurred: One was managed with antibiotics, and the other required device removal. No significant bleeding or loss of telemetry signal was observed, and all animals survived to the end of the study. This new technique offers a reliable method for implanting telemetry devices in pigs, reducing discomfort and infection risk while providing high-quality physiological data. It holds promise for broader use in preclinical cardiovascular research, improving both animal welfare and data reliability.