Telemetry: the importance of the surgical aspects

Telemetry allows the monitoring of multiple parameters, such as blood press ure, temperature, motor activity and EGG, without any stressful handling or restraint. The invasive phase (i.e. the surgical implantation of a transmi tter),which takes place before the start of the study, is of critical impor tance. Good surgical techniques as described below are essential. All risks of trauma or infection should be avoided, particularly if the animals are to be used in long-term studies. The utility of telemetry may be complemented with other atraumatic techniqu es, for instance the use of indwelling IV infusion catheters allowing long- term studies without any extrinsic stress resulting from the dosing procedu re or routine examinations.