Osmotic Minipump Implantation
This page is a repository of resources for using the ALZET osmotic minipump.
Before selecting a pump or planning an experiment all users should first explore the pages under the "http://www.alzet.com products>Guide to Use"] dropdown menus with particular attention to the following pages to assure appropriate selection and application of a pump for an experimental study:
- Manufacturer’s comprehensive checklist
- Technical Tips
- Chemical compatibility
- Minipump implantation Suggestions
- Surgical instruction manual
- ALZET resources Vimeo channel
- https://www.alzet.com/products/alzet_pumps/specifications/ ALZET Product Rate and Durations Specifications]
- Pump Filling and Priming Instructions
- Use of osmotic pumps with MRI
- Concentration calculator
For details on study design considerations (protocols, timeline, power calculations, etc.) as developed in pilot leptin infusion experiments, pleaser refer to this shared slide deck.
For additional resources, you may refer to this shared google drive folder.
Consider setting up a consultation with ULAM veterinary services for a demonstration and practice before performing your own surgery.
Pre-surgery checklist:
☐ Stack of paper towels, gauze, q-tips
☐ Heating pad
☐ Sterile forceps (x2)
☐ Hemostat
☐ Incisors
☐ Wound clips
☐ Wound clip applicator and wound clip remover
☐ Electric razor (alternately: Nair)
☐ Lint roller
☐ Isoflurane pump
☐ Eye lubricant
☐ Surgery wash and rinse
☐ ALZET osmotic pumps, filled and primed ahead of time
☐ Post-operative analgesic (ie carprofen)
Helpful Tips
- The ALZET customer support team is EXTREMELY helpful if you are experiencing issues. alzet@durect.com or 800-692-2990
- Use of a sterile filter may not be necessary when using extremely pure solutes so long as you utilize otherwise aseptic technique. This minimizes waste of costly solutes.
- When using the smaller pump sizes, special considerations for MRI may be disregarded.
- When filling the pumps, the syringe needle needs to be a fraction of a millimeter smaller than the hole in the pump in which it is inserted. This means that you will likely have better success using an insulin syringe, which, owing to its small gauge, allows displaced air to escape when filling.