Basic system
The basic system includes the following:
- A mainframe: a heart chamber with a heating jacket, a heat exchanger, electrovalves, various ports for bolus injection and catheter, and numerous pods for extra attachment (ECG or stimulation electrodes).
- A heating system: thermostat-controlled heater-pumps providing water heated to 37±0.5°C to maintain the isolated heart at a constant temperature and warm perfusion liquid.
- A perfusion system to provide oxygen and nutrients to the isolated heart at constant pressure or constant flow: reservoirs, pressure/flow regulator (this regulates pressure or flown and provides signals for flow and pressure too), peristaltic pumps, perfusion cannulas, pressure transducers and perfusion heads (two bubble trap sizes for rat and mouse).
- An acquisition system: computer with acquisition software, an amplifier and USB cable.
Extension
Additional transducers may be used to record:
- Perfusate temperature
- Perfusate flow rate (in working heart mode only)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) by applying contact electrodes to the heart’s surface.