Advancing ethical standards in Göttingen Minipigs studies: The feasibility and reliability of Vascular Access Buttons™

Abstract

The use of Vascular Access Buttons™ (VABs) is gaining traction in animal research as a less invasive alternative to traditional venipuncture methods and a superior option compared with existing alternatives, such as vascular access ports (VAPs). By enabling repeated blood collection and intravenous drug administration with reduced stress and discomfort for the animals, VABs contribute to improved data quality and enhanced animal welfare in animal studies. While increasingly used in rodents, their application in non-rodent species remains underexplored. This study evaluated the feasibility and reliability of the VAB system in two Göttingen Minipigs, comparing its performance with the conventional vena cava cranialis puncture. Pharmacokinetic assessments and clinical pathology analyses revealed consistent results across both techniques, demonstrating the VAB system’s ability to generate reproducible, high-quality data. Additionally, its durability and ease of use highlight its potential as a practical and ethical alternative to both traditional venipunctures and VAPs in pharmacokinetic and long-term studies in minipigs. These findings support the integration of the VAB system in toxicological and pharmacokinetic research, particularly in studies requiring repeated blood collection or chronic intravenous dosing.