Long-term in vivo Experiment Protocol Using SD Rats

Our group has been developing implantable artificial dialysis system to decrease burden of chronic kidney disease patients. To evaluate the device, long-term in vivo experiments are mandatory. However, we need to complete the detailed design of the devices prior to the long-term tests, which range from the temporal change of the device performance to time to surgical procedures. To do so, we need to conduct mid- and long-term in vivo experiments for multiple times to acquire sufficient information. It is useful to use small animals, such as rats, for in vivo experiment. However, there is no prior work that discusses mid- and long-term coagulation ability control in small animals. In this study, we investigated the heparin administration to manage the coagulability. A simplified device was connected to SD rats under coagulability control and the blood coagulation in the device was characterized. And succeeded in blood clotting inhibition for 48 hours.