General description

Scisense Inc. is the only company in the world to offer a 1.2 French, solid state, pressure transducer. Independent published research (Woldbaek et al, Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 285: H2233 - H2239, 2003) has shown that this is the ideal size for mice, surpassing the previous standard of the1.4 French size which was large enough to affect aortic flow and central hemodynamics. Sensors smaller than 1.2 French have little physiological advantage and can be significantly less durable.

As the ease of genetic manipulation of mice increases, mice have become a powerful tool in understanding basic signaling in cardiovascular research. The Scisense micro-miniature transducer is both durable and physiologically friendly, designed in particularly to assist with transgenic and gene-targeted manipulations of the murine genome.

These pressure transducers have a catheter tip of just 0.39 mm in diameter. Fitted to this tip is an even smaller 0.9 French, polyimide catheter (0.29 mm diameter) to minimize vessel obstruction and to provide the ultimate in flexibility.

For rats we offer the same high precision pressure sensing capabilities with 1.6 French size catheters designed for the ultimate in flexibility and durability. Available French sizes range from 1.6 and up, using polyimide and nylon catheter materials. Catheters are available in 66 cm lengths or as requested.

SCISENSE CATHETER DESIGN, FEATURES & BENEFITS
High-Fidelity Pressure Sensor
• High frequency response maintains signal integrity and prevents damping or attenuation of signal
• No motion artifact or overshoot as with conventional fluid-filled catheters
• 10μV/V/mmHg sensitivity provides higher measurement resolution than any other sensor on the market
• Pressure membrane recessed for protection
• Vented to atmosphere to correct for barometric pressure
• Pressure and volume at the source from a single instrument

Polyimide Tubing:
• Provides ideal balance of flexibility and rigidity, ensuring easy insertion and maneuverability
• Will not fray like many other catheter materials which, over time, will irritate vascular lining and valves
• Small diameter of tubing minimizes impact on aortic flow resulting in more physiologic data

Smooth Profile:
• Reduces potential damage to endothelial lining during catheterization
• Allows for easy passage through aortic valve (can be inserted and withdrawn repeatedly)

Rodent Pressure Catheter Sizes

All models have the pressure sensor side mounted approximately 0.5 mm from the tip of the catheter. Dual pressure sensor catheter models are also available for the simultaneous measurement of arterial and ventricular pressures.

Catheter Model FT111B (mouse) FT211B (rat) Material Polyimide Polyimide Catheter Overall Length 45 cm (18") 45 cm (18") Sensor Tip Diameter 1.2 French (0.40 mm) 1.6 French (0.63 mm) Catheter Diameter 0.9 French (0.29 mm) 1.6 French(0.53 mm) Pressure Sensor Orientation side- mounted side-mounted Re-usable yes yes

Pressure Control Unit

The associated pressure control unit for the Scisense pressure catheters contains the signal acquisition and amplification circuitry necessary to provide an analog pressure signal to any standard third party data acquisition system. Output signals are provided through a standard BNC connection and an 8 pole, 300Hz filter applied for high frequency noise rejection.

Model FP891B Pressure Output 2.2 Volt/100 mm Hg (other outputs available) Power Supply External AC power +/- 12 Vdc Output Filter 300 Hz Low Pass MFB Dimensions (H x W x L) 6.6 cm (2.6”) X 11.7 cm (4.6") X 15.4 cm (6") Calibration Controls Zero and +100 mmHg Catheter Connector 91 cm (36”) or 152 cm (60”) cables Output Connector BNC

Functional parameters from Scisense pressure system: