emka TECHNOLOGIES hardware for ecg studies in preclinical research: amplifiers,telemetry,ecgTUNNEL resrainer for mice and rats, rodentPACK...

amplifiers, calibrators and simulators from emka TECHNOLOGIES

amplifiers, calibrators and simulators

emka TECHNOLOGIES amplifiers are specifically designed for physiology and pharmacology needs, and perform conditioning on signals from ecg electrodes or from strain-gauge transducers.

The different parts of the amplifiers are the mainframe (the container), power module and a variable number of amplifier modules.

Depending on the model, the mainframe has 4 or 8 slots to hold up to 4 or up to 8 amplifier modules. Please note that the multlilead ecg amplifier modules take up 2 slots.

key telemetry system components

key telemetry system components

No two telemetry installations are the same. Every client has unique requirements and a unique infrastructure. When planning the optimal installation, considerations include:

• maximum number of animals to be recorded at any one time
• number of signals and signal types to acquire from animals
• size and geographical distribution of recording zones
• need or not for remote control and monitoring capabilities
• etc

One of our salespeople, backed up by a team of technicians, will help determine the telemetry solution best for you.

Click "More information" below to see the key components of a telemetry system, whether a noninvasive system or an implant-based system (implants provided by our partner Telemetry Research).

For full information about the noninvasive emkaPACK telemetry system, please visit our dedicated telemetry minisite.

implantable telemetry

implantable telemetry

As an alternative to noninvasive telemetry, emka TECHNOLOGIES is pleased to offer implantable telemetry from Telemetry Research. Implants are available for the measurement of blood pressure and a variety of biopotential signals in animals 200g and upwards, such as rats.

The patented inductive energy transfer technology allows the devices to continuously recharge while in the animal, eliminating transmitter battery refurbishment costs and delays.

The implants may be used with emka TECHNOLOGIES' iox for acquisition and ecgAUTO for post-acquisition analysis. Alternatively it is possible to use your existing software as the receiver reconstructs the original analog signal.

ecgTUNNEL - non-invasive ecg from conscious mice/rats

ecgTUNNEL

WIth the ecgTUNNEL, it is possible to record 6-lead ecg non-invasively from conscious mice and rats.

The animal is placed inside a plastic tube, which restrains subject firmly and gently (without causing trauma).

Two platforms are available, each of which can hold one of three different sized but interchangeable tunnels.

The mouse platform forms the base of tunnels measuring 20 x 110 mm (diameter x length), 30 x 110 mm, or 40 x 130 mm. It is suitable for mice and other small rodents weighing 15g to 70g.

The rat platform measures 350 x 150 x 70 mm (L x W x H) and forms the base of tunnels measuring:

• 50 x 200 mm (Diam x L), suitable for rats up to 200 g
• 62 x 220 mm, for rats up to 350 g
• 74 x 240 mm, for rats up to 500 g

The ecgTUNNEL integrates into wired or wireless setups.

The following article by a research team (INSERM U582 - Institut de Myologie, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris) gives a valuable overview of the ecgTUNNEL from the researcher's point of view. In their discussion, the workers state "when compared to telemetry, this restrained ecg monitoring method shows a very good yield".

Mongue-Din H, Salmon A, Fiszman MY, Fromes Y (2007) Non-invasive restrained ecg recording in conscious small rodents a new tool for cardiac electrical activity investigation. European Journal of Physiology 454:165–171.

isolated heart system

isolated heart system

The isolated system consists of different devices and parts working together to ensure survival of the isolated heart: the temperature is kept constant at around 37°C, while oxygen and nutrients are provided by perfusing the heart via the coronary arteries.

The mainframe assembly sits on the benchtop and is the central component connected to all other components: flow.pressure regulator, heater/pump, amplifier, PC (running iox)…

4-channel asynchronous stimulator

4-channel asynchronous stimulator

This stimulator is suitable for use with isolated organs or tissues, such as the isolated heart.

The asynchronous stimulator generates a constant current or a constant voltage on each of up to 4 channels independently.

The stimulator mainframe holds one module for each channel. The modules are where different parameters are set, and where settings and information such as voltage, current or frequency are displayed.

The stimulator can be operated manually or from iox2 software. In the latter case, a wide range of stimulation protocols can be created and automatically executed.

all stimulation parameters are adjustable:

• main frequency
• stimulation in current or voltage
• pulse amplitude
• pulse width
• pulse polarity (positive, negative, biphasic or alternative)
• type of stimulation (continuous, by train, manually)
• duration of the train or pulse number in the train (if train mode is used)

rodentPACK ecg and eeg for rodents

rodentPACK ecg and eeg for rodents

rodentPACK is a miniature transmitter for use in rodents 250 g & larger, such as rats.

8 signals are acquired for each rodentPACK:

• 2 eeg signals, each sampled at 1 kHz
• 2 ecg/emg signals (any combination), each sampled at 500 Hz
• 3-axis acceleration, sampled at 80Hz on each axis
• total acceleration (computed from 3 axes), for activity assessment

There are several possible applications; to cite just a couple:

• sleep and epilepsy studies, by recording eeg, emg and activity/position
• ecg recording (6-lead), with acitivity/position  

interface box

interface box

The interface box does not perform any signal processing. Instead it is the device where all analog signals converge. A single cable carries all signals from the interface box to the acquisition card in the computer.

Three models are available, itf16, itf32 and itf64, having respectively, 16, 32 and 64 BNC inputs. On the output side is a 68-pin connector.

Other connectors provide control possibilities from iox software.

• TTL outputs - control of external devices by sending either an ON or OFF signal, e.g. to start and stop stimulation
• two BNC plugs for timer output (0-5V square wave of adjustable frequency) - this is also used to control stimulation timing

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