A Method for Reliable and Simultaneous Cannulation of the Epidural and Subarachnoid Spaces in Pigs

A tool for the study of cerebrospinal fluid pharmacakinetics and drug penetration of the dura mater

Abstract

Many drugs are of interest from the point of view of their pharmacokinetical properties in the CSF, as well as their penetration of the dura mater after epidural application. A means of assessment of these properties is therefore of importance. The present report describes a method allowing reliable simultaneous cannulation of the epidural and subarachnoid spaces in the anaesthetized pig, with control of the catheter positions. The catheter tips can be placed at the same spinal level, separated only by the dura mater and arachnoid membrane. Both catheters are introduced via the atlanto-occipital membrane. We found this method a valuable tool in the research of drug disposition and other experimental procedures, where simultaneous and reliable access to the subarachnoid and epidural spaces is mandatory.