One Channel Vascular Access Button™ for Rats

The Instech Vascular Access Button (VAB) for rats is a transcutaneous button that provides an external port with a septum for quick, clean and repeated access to an implanted catheter. Designed for tethered or intermittent access, it supports bolus or continuous dosing, blood sampling, and IV self-administration.

Key Benefits

• Needle-free access — PinPort™ injector compatible for intermittent access; snap-in tether for continuous access from outside the cage
• Magnetic low-stress connection — updated 2017 design uses magnets for easy, animal-friendly connection
• Compatible catheter connectors: 22ga (3Fr polyurethane catheters), 25ga (2Fr catheters), or 27ga (intrathecal catheters)
• Protective aluminum cap — enables group housing for rats with externalized catheters (available in red, blue or green for animal identification)
• Aseptic closed system — supports positive pressure technique to significantly improve patency
• 1 inch (2.5 cm) polyester surgical felt disk implanted under the skin for secure anchoring
• Catheters are not exposed — prevents evaporation and improves patency
• Part of the Instech "Be Nice" family of animal welfare-focused products
• Order animals from Charles River or Inotiv with buttons pre-installed as a surgical service

Available Models

• VABR1B/22 — Magnetic 1-channel, 22ga (white port), includes injector — $37.00
• VABR1B/25 — Magnetic 1-channel, 25ga (white port), includes injector — $39.00
• VABR1B/27 — Magnetic 1-channel, 27ga (white port) for intrathecal catheters, includes injector — $55.00
• VABR1T/22 — Tether for 1-channel magnetic rat VAB, 12 inch, tube fits 22ga — $25.00

Important Note

These buttons are not MRI-compatible due to the magnets. For MRI applications, use VAB95BS-MRI with a twist-in connection and Nitinol connector.

FAQ

What is the Vascular Access Button used for?

The VAB provides transcutaneous access to an implanted rat catheter. It enables bolus or continuous IV dosing, blood sampling, and IV self-administration, without requiring repeated needle injections through the skin.

How do I access the catheter with the VAB?

For intermittent access, use a syringe fitted with a needlefree PinPort™ injector. For continuous infusion from outside the cage, snap in a mating tether connected to a swivel and pump system.

Are these buttons MRI-compatible?

No. These buttons contain magnets for low-stress connection and are not MRI-compatible. For MRI studies, use the VAB95BS-MRI with a twist-in connection and Nitinol connector instead.

Which catheter sizes are compatible?

The buttons are available in three connector sizes: 22ga for 3Fr polyurethane rat catheters, 25ga for 2Fr catheters, and 27ga for intrathecal catheters.

How does the protective cap support group housing?

The aluminum cap covers the external port and protects the button when the animal is not connected to a tether or injector. This allows animals to be group housed without risk of cage-mate damage to the implant — an animal welfare benefit unique to this system.

Can I order animals with the buttons already installed?

Yes. Instech partners with Charles River and Inotiv to offer rats with the VAB pre-implanted as a surgical service, saving time and reducing in-house surgical burden.

What is included with the button?

Each button includes a PinPort™ injector. Tethers, protective caps (red, blue, green), and tether kits are sold separately. Refer to the Instech ordering guide for full kit options (KVABR1T series).