One Channel Vascular Access Button™ for Mice

The mouse VAB™ is a transcutaneous port that permits quick, aseptic access to a catheterized vessel — either with a syringe for intermittent access or a tether for continuous access. Applications include infusion, blood sampling, and IV self-administration.

Disk Options

• 14mm polyester felt (VABM1B) — standard configuration; tissue grows into the felt over time, securing it in place
• 10mm polyester felt (VABM1VB) — smaller felt for smaller incisions or smaller mice
• 14mm silicone mesh (VABM1BSM) — preferred by The Jackson Laboratory for strains that do not tolerate felt

Catheter Connector Sizes

• 25ga (standard) — for 2Fr polyurethane, including mouse jugular vein and carotid artery catheters
• 22ga — for 3Fr polyurethane

Key Features

• Access the miniature PinPort™ built into the button directly using a syringe fitted with a mating PNP3M injector or extension set
• Use the VABMG tool to hold the button and mouse magnetically without hemostats
• Connect a tether (VABM1T) with a 25ga swivel for continuous access — the tether connects magnetically to minimize force on the animal
• Use one of five colored aluminum VABM1C-5 caps to protect the button when group housing mice

Benefits

• Catheters are not exposed, preventing evaporation and improving patency
• Closed system allows aseptic technique and positive pressure technique, which can improve patency 5× over standard externalized catheters
• Group housing enabled using the protective cap
• Order animals from Charles River, Inotiv, or The Jackson Laboratory with buttons installed as a surgical service, or learn to perform the surgery yourself via Instech online or in-person training

Expert Support

Instech Laboratories provides dedicated application support for vascular access procedures in mice and rats. NBT Ltd distributes Instech products in Israel and provides full local technical support, training, and protocol guidance.

FAQ

What is the One Channel Mouse Vascular Access Button used for?

The One Channel Mouse VAB™ is a transcutaneous port that provides permanent external access to a catheterized vessel in mice. It is used for repeated intravenous infusion, blood sampling, and IV self-administration studies without repeated injection or catheter externalization.

What is the advantage of the VAB™ over a standard externalized catheter in mice?

The VAB™ is a closed system that supports aseptic technique and positive pressure maintenance, which has been shown to improve catheter patency up to 5× compared with standard externalized catheters. Catheters are not exposed, reducing the risk of evaporation, contamination, and dislodgement.

Can mice be group housed with the VAB™ installed?

Yes. The colored aluminum VABM1C-5 protective caps allow mice to be group housed safely after VAB™ implantation, removing the need for single housing which can increase stress and confound experimental results.

Is technical support and training available for the One Channel Mouse VAB in Israel?

Yes. NBT Ltd distributes Instech products in Israel and provides full local technical support, installation guidance, and protocol training. Instech also offers online and in-person surgical training for VAB™ implantation.