Construction of an experimental set up to perform full body micro cannulations of sub-millimetric vessels in an anatomical research setting

INTRODUCTION: A better 3D visualisation of the lymphatic system could provide more accurate cancer treatment approaches, but this requires contrast agent injections. Since lymphatic vessels are very small, cannulations to administer contrast agent are very difficult to perform manually. As such, a dedicated set up for lymphatic vessel micro cannulations is required. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A micromanipulator rig for full body micro cannulations was constructed. The rig consists of an aluminium frame that can be positioned over a dissection table. It combines the micromanipulator with a sliding gantry plate and a double jointed positioning system to provide as many possible angles of approach as possible. Fluid pressure control devices and a surgical microscope can also be included in the set up. RESULTS: Micro cannulations on a full body could successfully be performed using the micromanipulator rig. After only a short learning curve to explore the movement possibilities/range of the device, the micromanipulator rig quickly outperformed manual micro cannulations. CONCLUSIONS: Given the short learning curve and the success rate of the micro cannulations with the micromanipulator rig, we would strongly recommend other microvascular researchers to use the micromanipulator rig for future experiments involving micro cannulations.