Precision Fabrication
Using precision fabricated micro vessel support brackets, the system accommodates lumen diameters down to 60μm and segment lengths up to 3mm. For samples with lumen diameters of 1mm or more, the standard Radnoti Tissue Organ Bath systems are recommended. To mount the vessel segment, two individual parallel wires are passed through the sample lumen and attached to the micro vessel support brackets. Each vessel support bracket incorporates a micro groove on the face to aid in maintaining the wire position when mounting. One bracket is connected to a precision 0 – 0.5gm capacitance type isometric force transducer (switchable to 0-5 gm and also available in 0-2 gm/0-20 gm configurations) that provides a true isometric measurement, i.e. less than 12.5μm deflection at 0.5gm force, which is critical when working with small vessel samples. The opposing support bracket is connected to a precision micrometer controlling the X axis movement, with Y and minor Z axis positioning controls conveniently positioned on the Myograph chamber, allowing for precise alignment of the micro vessel support brackets. The wires are then anchored via a locking screw on each of the brackets. The locking screws feature a small bushing that is incorporated under the screw head greatly improving capture of the support wire. A pre-load tension is then applied via adjustment of the X axis micrometer.

Transducer Safety Lock
An added feature is a safety lock for the ultra sensitive force transducer. The researcher can disable the movement of the microvessel support bracket to reduce the chance of accidental transducer damage during the microvessel mounting procedure. This lock gives an added margin of safety against expensive transducer damage and is a feature not present in other microvessel systems.

5ml Working Volume Chamber
Once mounted the sample is immersed into a 5ml working volume sample chamber that allows for filling, emptying and gassing of buffer solutions. A water-jacketed reservoir with a separate support stand is provided to permit convenient perfusion buffer exchanges. The elevation of the water jacketed reservoir provides a nominal pressure feed to the chambers simplifying fill cycles.

Included is a water jacketed bath that can be used during the initial gross dissection that prepares the tissue segment for mounting. A vacuum flask is also provided with an appropriate manifold system to aid in empty cycles.

Lighted Chamber
The sample chamber is illuminated with an imbedded light source in the wrist rest. The light is passed into the chamber via a glass light pipe integral to each of the individual chambers. When the chamber is docked into the wrist rest, the light source aligns with the light pipe and light is passed to the
chamber. The light source is activated via an on/off switch placed in the side of the wrist rest. When not in use for mounting, the user simply turns off the light source. The light source is powered by four “AA” batteries (included) that can be easily replaced when required.

 

 

Sliding Wrist Rest
The M4 four channel system has the added feature of a moving ergonomic wrist rest. This allows the user to move from chamber to chamber.

Once the vessel is properly set, the user simply moves the chamber unit back and moves on to the next chamber. The chambers with the loaded samples are then undisturbed during mounting of additional samples.

This feature allows for easy manipulation of the chambers and helps steady the hands during use.

Ergonomically Designed for Ease of Use
Both the single chamber base and the 4-chamber base assembly are ergonomically designed to allow the users wrist to be supported fully while in the process of manipulating the sample. This feature provides exceptional stability during the critical
tissue mounting phase of the procedure.

Each vessel chamber uses easy to clean and replace buffer inlet, gas inlet and buffer outlet tubes. The tubes are fabricated of borosilicate glass to give the researcher a clear view of the fluid path during setup and experimentation.

Precise Temperature Control
The sample chamber is controlled to maintain accurate temperature of the sample and the buffer via the included M series thermostatic control unit. The control unit is available in both a four channel and single channel model.

The M series thermostatic controllers precise electronics employ a communication loop from the microprocessor and the thermistor/sensor.

A variable electrical current is supplied to each individual chambers heating element in response to the thermistor probe signal. The probe is located directly in the sample chamber to avoid temperature overshoot, greatly reducing the chance of overheating and tissue damage.

Both M Series model thermostatic controllers incorporate a user friendly front panel alpha numeric LCD screen with a three button interface. The user steps through settings moving a blinking cursor using the up arrow or down arrow buttons.

The units also allow for a low temperature and high temperature alarm setting. Once set, the controller continually monitors the individual vessel chambers temperature and displays the chambers value on the corresponding LCD screen. Temperature readings can be output via the rear panel RS-232 port for digital recording.

 

Downlod Product Sheet