Tracheal Cannulation in Rabbit Model: A Procedure to Insert Tracheal Cannula into the Rabbit Trachea

Tracheal cannulation is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening through the neck into the trachea, followed by the insertion of a cannula or a thin hollow tube to facilitate mechanical ventilation of the lungs.

For tracheal cannulation in a rabbit, begin by injecting a healthy rabbit with a suitable sedative. Place the anesthetized rabbit in a supine position on an operating table. Now, shave the rabbit's torso region to reveal the underlying skin. Place a ventilation system behind the rabbit's head near the operating table. This enables quick cannulation after tracheal incision to prevent any tissular damage.

Next, perform a midline incision from the neck to the diaphragm to reveal the trachea. Carefully incise the anterior tracheal region between the cartilage rings to create an opening. Now, insert a cannula of appropriate dimension through the tracheal fibrous membrane, a tissue layer covering the trachea. Pass a ligature around the inserted cannula and tighten the suture to fix it.

Place a spacer underneath the trachea to ensure the cannula does not bend and obstruct the airflow. The tracheal cannula is now ready for connection to the ventilation system to initiate oxygenation of the lungs.