Cardiac catheterization in snakes: scary? Nope! Intravenous catheter placement in snakes is possible through the jugular vein and the ventral coccygeal vein, but these vessels are not always accessible. In order to ensure safe anesthesia, when performing longer surgeries in snakes and other vascular accesses failed, placing a cardiac catheter is an option. Studies have shown that intracardiac venipuncture/injection in snakes are safe. First visualize the heart beat or find the location of the he