Flexible-Imaging-Fiber-Guided Intratracheal Intubation in Rodents

Although experiments on intratracheal intubation for animals are essential for research, it remains challenging. This study aimed to validate an animal model using a flexible imaging guide system that can be conveniently and safely used as a new method to provide easy access to organs in small animals. PBS (Phosphate Buffered Saline) and PHMG (Polyhexamethylene guanidine) were administered by intratracheal intubation to 20 rodents (10 mice and 10 rats), and the changes in the lungs were observed. Results were verified using lung tissue histopathologic staining through the intratracheally administered material, which confirmed that 100% of changes in lung tissue occurred in the PHMG-injected group, where intubation was facilitated using the flexible imaging guide. The drug was conveniently and safely administered. The flexible-imaging-fiber-guide-based intratracheal drug injectable system may be conveniently used by researchers. It allows drugs to be administered quantitatively, suggesting its potential wide use in drug development and toxicity evaluation.