Solomon Scientific Subcutaneous Access Ports

Solomon Scientific Subcutaneous Access Ports

Ports are totally implanted catheter devices which do not exit through the skin. There is little concern about the subject disturbing the port thereby obviating the need for a jacket or other protective apparatus. Because there is no chronic exit site, infection risks associated with ports are considerably lower than with external catheters. The use of ports has provided many new research opportunities, and it represents a refined technique which has reduced animal use and minimized stress.

The SoloPort™ represents twenty years of experience in port design, service, innovation, and hands-on use in research. The port has evolved from being an intravascular access port into a multi-purpose access port for use in intestinal, biliary, intraspinal, cranial, ventricular, and other applications.

Choose the SoloPort model based on the species. The new PortHold™ models are specially designed to prevent needle dislodgment. In addition Instech Solomon carries a line of needles and sets for repeated access through port septa.

SoloPorts are not suitable for human use.

Subcutaneous Access Ports for Large Animals

The SoloPort™ is available in a variety of configurations for most large animal species. The titanium MIN is typically used in small NHPs and ferrets; the polysulfone PMID and titanium MID in rabbits, larger NHPs and small dogs; and the titanium MAX in larger dogs and pigs.

The part numbers in the price list below are for the recommended attachable catheter configuration; to specify a pre-attached catheter change the ‘A’ to a ‘P’ (for example, MAXP-PU-C70). There is no price difference between the ‘A’ and ‘P’ configurations. See the catheter page for complete information on catheters.

PortHold™ Subcutaneous Access Ports

Instech Solomon has developed the PortHold™ to reduce the risk of inadvertent needle dislodgement from implanted ports. The port features a titanium plate under the septum with holes that are slightly larger than the 22ga needle used to access it. The plate grips the needle and prevents it from becoming dislodged due to the normal pulls and tugs experienced during a study.

The PortHolds are available in two sizes: MID and MIN (for small NHPs). Compatible with catheters from 3-7Fr. Use only pencil-point needles to access these ports.

A PortHold video demonstration is available (as us for details)

Ports for CSF Infusion and Sampling.

Instech Solomon offers two options for laboratory CSF access.

The MIN-LOVOL is a titanium MIN port with a modified reservoir to reduce the port’s dead volume from 130µl to 15µl. It is designed for CSF infusion or sampling using a catheter (for example, via the cisterna magna) or for other applications requiring minimal dead volume. The port connector fits 3 or 3.5Fr catheters. (Note that a 15cm 3Fr catheter will add 40µl of volume.)

The MIN-CSF-SAM is a titanium MIN port with a threaded ventricular guide tube on the underside. It allows direct access to the ventricle with a non-coring spinal needle for repeated CSF sampling from large subjects over extended periods. This technique was developed by Maria Wilsson (Sweden) and modified to a port configuration by Dr. Vince Mendenhall while at Charles River Worcester.

Not suitable for human use – Intended for laboratory research only.

PMIN Subcutaneous Access Ports for Smaller Subjects

The polysulfone PMIN SoloPort™ is designed for repeated intermittent subcutaneous access in subjects (>120g). The part numbers in the price list below are for the recommended attachable catheter configuration; to specify a pre-attached catheter change the ‘A’ to a ‘P’ (for example, PMINP-PU-C30). There is no price difference between the ‘A’ and ‘P’ configurations. See the catheter page for complete information on catheters.

The stainless steel SoloPort MICRO is the smallest top-access port available. Just 4.4mm high, it is suitable for smaller subjects. It is available with a pre-attached polyurethane 1Fr catheter.

Huber Needles and Sets for Laboratory Research

Huber needles have a non-coring tip for repeated access with ports. All Instech Solomon Hubers feature the shorter B-bevel for a better fit in the port. They are available in three configurations:

The HN luer needles attach to a syringe for manual injections into a port. The SHRNA right angle sets (shown at left) are for longer-term port access in large animals. They include PVC tubing, a female luer and a mini-clamp. The SOFTEE™ hub is designed to increase comfort and improve grip.