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.

Rodent Pressure Catheter Sizes

Catheter Model	FT111B (mouse)	FT211B(rat)
Material	Polyimide	Polyimide
Catheter Overall Length	65 cm (26")	65 cm (26")
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

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.

 

Pressure Sensor Specifications

All pressure measuring catheters share the same high precision, solid state transducers. Catheters are warranted for 6 months from data of purchase.

Some of the key specifications are as follows:

Measurement Range		-50 to + 300 mmHg (temperature range: 32-42°C)
Sensitivity		10 µV/V/mmHg
Frequency Response		0 to >10 kHz
Gauge Excitation		Constant current
Stability		Zero offset drift < 6 mmHg/24 hours *
Signal Gain Factor		200

* after 30 minute pre-soak

 

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.

Pressure control boxes are warranted for 1 year from date of purchase.

Model	FP891A
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