Instech PinPort™ Vascular Access Connectors & Blunt-Needle Luer Stubs

Overview

Instech PinPort™ Vascular Access Connectors and Blunt-Needle Luer Stubs are precision-engineered components designed for chronic, aseptic vascular access in preclinical rodent research. These devices enable reliable, low-dead-volume fluid pathway management in longitudinal pharmacokinetic, toxicokinetic, hemodynamic, and metabolic studies. Constructed using biocompatible, chemically inert materials—including medical-grade 316 stainless steel tubing and PCTFE (polychlorotrifluoroethylene) central junctions—the system supports repeated sampling, infusion, and pressure monitoring without compromising sterility or patency. The PinPort™ platform operates on a standardized Luer-lock interface, ensuring interoperability with syringes, infusion pumps, pressure transducers, and IV administration sets compliant with ISO 8536-4 and ISO 594-1 specifications.

Key Features

• Ultra-low internal dead volume: ≤3 µL between ports—critical for minimizing sample dilution and residual carryover in serial blood sampling.
• PCTFE central body: Exceptional chemical resistance to organic solvents, acids, bases, and common pharmaceutical excipients; non-leaching and USP Class VI certified.
• Stainless steel lumen pathways: 6 mm exposed length optimized for secure coupling with 22G and 25G polyethylene, PVC, or PE tubing; maintains structural integrity under repeated torque and cyclic pressure loading.
• Color-coded gauge identification: White (22G/25G) and red (22G/25G) variants facilitate rapid visual differentiation during multi-line experimental setups.
• Sterile packaging: All PinPort™ units supplied in validated, EO-sterilized pouches (5 units per pouch); available in configurations of 10 or 50 pouches per case—fully traceable per ISO 13485 quality system requirements.
• Integrated injector compatibility: PinPort™ M-series models incorporate integrated blunt-tipped injectors, enabling direct needle-free access to implanted catheters or harness ports without secondary adapters.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

PinPort™ connectors are validated for use with standard rodent vascular access hardware, including Instech’s Vascular Access Harnesses™ and Dacron Mesh Button Tethers for rats. The stainless steel/PCTFE architecture exhibits no detectable adsorption or degradation when exposed to heparinized saline, plasma, whole blood, lipid emulsions, or small-molecule drug formulations (pH 2–12). Devices comply with ISO 10993-1 (biological evaluation of medical devices), ISO 11607-1 (packaging for terminally sterilized devices), and FDA-recommended practices for chronic implantables used in GLP-compliant nonclinical laboratory studies (21 CFR Part 58). Documentation packages include material certifications, biocompatibility test reports, and sterilization validation summaries.

Software & Data Management

While PinPort™ hardware is inherently passive, its design enables seamless integration into automated data acquisition workflows. When paired with pressure transducers or infusion pumps featuring digital I/O or analog output, the connector’s minimal dead volume and pressure-stable geometry ensure high-fidelity signal transmission—reducing phase lag and damping artifacts in real-time cardiovascular monitoring. For audit-trail compliance in regulated studies, PinPort™ lot numbers and sterilization dates are recorded in electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) and LIMS systems per ALCOA+ principles. Traceability is maintained through serialized pouch labels compliant with GS1 standards.

Applications

• Chronic intravenous dosing and serial blood collection in Sprague-Dawley, Wistar, and transgenic rat models.
• Multi-catheter studies requiring simultaneous arterial pressure monitoring, venous drug infusion, and cerebrospinal fluid sampling.
• Implantable telemetry integration where low-profile, low-torque connection points reduce tether-induced stress artifact.
• GMP-aligned PK/PD study support—validated for use in bioanalytical method transfer across contract research organizations (CROs).
• Neuropharmacology experiments involving intracerebroventricular (ICV) or intrathecal (IT) delivery via chronically implanted cannulae.

FAQ

Are PinPort™ connectors compatible with non-Instech catheter systems?
Yes—provided the mating catheter hub conforms to ISO 594-1 Luer taper dimensions and mechanical retention specifications.
What is the maximum recommended operating pressure?
The stainless steel/PCTFE assembly is rated for continuous operation up to 300 psi (20.7 bar) at 25°C; burst pressure exceeds 1,200 psi.
Can PinPort™ units be reused after sterilization?
No—these are single-use, sterile-disposable components intended for one animal per unit, consistent with AAALAC International and NIH OLAW guidelines.
Do you provide custom configurations (e.g., extended tubing, alternative gauges)?
Custom OEM assemblies—including laser-marked identifiers, bespoke packaging, or integration with Instech’s Vascular Access Harnesses™—are available under NDA and subject to minimum order quantities.
Is technical support available for surgical implantation protocols?
Yes—Instech provides peer-reviewed surgical guides, video tutorials, and application engineering consultation for optimal vascular access setup and postoperative care.