Instech Blog

Instech Expands Education Program

Highlights include a Video Content Library, new Rat Carotid Artery Catheterization Online Training, Enhanced Course Content, and Free Samples.

Instech expands education program

Video Content Library

These video presentations with voice over are all freely available on our website and on YouTube:

  • Rodent Surgical Guidelines - From equipment and supplies to analgesia and anesthesia to recovery and post procedure care, this is where every microsurgeon should begin their learning.
  • Surgical Instruments for Rat Catheterization and Surgical Instruments for Mouse Catheterization - There is a lot to consider when preparing for survival microsurgery. Surgical skills aside, having the right tools for the job can make the difference between success and failure.
  • How to Achieve Optimal Patency Duration - If you're performing survival catheterization surgeries, patency matters. There are five factors that influence patency, and this presentation succinctly walks you through each.
  • Catheter Maintenance and How to Access the VAB™ - What kind of flush solution to use? What about lock solutions? How often should you perform catheter maintenance? This video gives you the tools needed to make informative decisions right for you.

Additional oral gavage, training, and product videos can be found in our always growing Video Training Library

Rat Carotid Artery Catheterization Online Training

New for 2025, the Rat Carotid Artery Catheterization course is ideally suited for researchers who need repeated and/or chronic access to the carotid artery for blood sampling as required for Glucose Clamp studies, for example.

Enhanced Course Content

All our two-hour online training courses now include pdf downloads of all publicly available presentations. Delivered live in small, focused groups, each course covers the following:

  • Introduction: 15 minutes
  • Overview and Discussion of Presentations: 30 minutes
  • How to Measure Catheter Insertion Length: 15 minutes
  • The Surgical Procedure with Video: 30 minutes
  • Questions and Answers: 30 minutes

Students who complete the course receive 90 days of online access, a completion certificate, the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), samples to assist with practice*, and are eligible to receive two hours of CEU. Enrollment fee: $300. Group rates are available upon request.

Upcoming Course Dates
Mouse Jugular Vein: February 19, March 18, April 30
Mouse Carotid Artery: February 13, March 11, April 25
View All Mouse Catheterization Course Dates

Rat Jugular Vein: February 4, March 5, April 22
Rat Carotid Artery: February 7, March 3, April 24
Rat Femoral Vein: February 11, March 13, April 23
View All Rat Catheterization Course Dates

Custom courses are available depending on you and your organization's needs, including on-site training.

Free Samples

Also new for 2025, each student who completes an online training course can request free Vascular Access Buttons™ and catheter samples valued at $275.*

Enroll Now

Meet Your Instructor

andree-circleAndrée Lapierre, BS, LATG, CMAR, SRS
Andrée has over 30 years of experience in animal research with a heavy focus on rodents and surgical procedure, formerly leading the Surgical Services of The Jackson Laboratory for over a decade. She has extensive experience in training surgical procedures nationally and internationally since 2004. 

*Free samples not available with discounted registrations.