Small Vessel Wire Myograph Systems

Precision Instruments for Biological Research

MDE GmbH - Small Vessel Wire Myographic Systems
MDE GmbH - Small Vessel Wire Myograph Systems - Scheme of the System

The System Consists of Five Main Units:

  1. Organ bath (flow-through/stationary) with buffer in-and outflow stubs (gravitational or pumped flow) gas controller with freely positionable diffuser tip, and field-stimulating electrodes (as per request). Vessel holders: tungsten wires or steel prods (depending on vessel lumen); vessel holder locking for positioning of the organ

  2. In- and outlet stub of the thermostated circulating water bath (20 l, 15 l/min flow rate)

  3. Precision manipulato  (0.25 mm/turn)

  4. Isometric sensor

  5. Base plate with lock/unlock lever for the measuring unit
     
Organ Bath, Measuring Unit

The organ bath is manufactured in four different volumes (2, 5, 10, 20 ml). The standard volume is 5 ml unless requested otherwise. Each volume is available for later order, and can be replaced in the measuring unit.

The tubes carrying gas and solution for maintaining optimal physiological environment are connected to the measuring unit through connectors fixed in the base plate. Removable design of the measuring unit greatly facilitates placement of the preparation in the vessel holder because the unit can be put on the stage of a microscope.

 
MDE GmbH - Small Vessel Wire Myograph Systems - One-Module System With Microscope
MDE GmbH - Small Vessel Wire Myograph Systems - Organ Bath

Removing the Measuring Unit

The organ bath, the tension manipulator and the sensor are built into one unit which can be removed, for the sake of easy handling, in the following way:

 

STEP 1: Turn the lever locking the unit to the base plate and tube connector in 90º angle

MDE GmbH - Small Vessel Wire Myograph Systems - Unit Locking

STEP 2: Slide out the unit along the guide rail of the base plate

MDE GmbH - Small Vessel Wire Myograph Systems - Unit Sliding

Vessel Holders, Precision Setting of Gas Supply

The tungsten wire vessel holder type ISO-12-21 is recommended for vessel preparations with an inner diameter between 0.05 mm and 0.5 mm, and length up to 3.5 mm.The choice of vessel holders is determined by the inner diameter and length of the preparation. The decision finally depends on the professional competence of the person performing the experiment. The vessel holder can be interchanged in the sleeves, within and between types.

The steel prod vessel holder type ISO-12-22 can be used also for preparations with an inner diameter between 0.8 mm and 3 mm, and length over 3.5 mm. This technical solution enables the continuous examination of larger vessels in a small volume of buffer.

MDE GmbH - Small Vessel Wire Myograph Systems - Wire-Type Vessel Holder
MDE GmbH - Small Vessel Wire Myograph Systems - Steel Spike-Type Vessel Holders
Gas Controller and Diffuser

For proper working with the preparation, it is vital to have the necessary amount and adequate quality of carbogen gas evenly distributed in the solution.
To ensure the sufficient dispersion, a bubbler and fine-tuner device has been developed. The gas coming through the pressure reducer on the gas cylinder is kept in a gas bag. From there, the gas flows in a sufficiently thick-walled tube through a cylindrical clamp and is applied into the solution via a tube-tip gas diffuser.

MDE GmbH - Small Vessel Wire Myograph Systems - Gas Controller
MDE GmbH - Small Vessel Wire Myograph Systems - Gas Vaporizer
Calibration

Calibration is done by means of an independent unit which can be connected to the system.

Components include:

  • Holder with the pulley with bearing
  • Thread with hook
  • 1g certified weight

Calibration process:

  • Remove the precision manipulator and replace it with the pulley holder
  • Lock the isometric sensor with the lever. Hitch the thread to the stub on the vessel holder sleeve of the sensor, then lead it over the pulley
  • Attach the 1g calibration weight to the hook of the thread
  • Unlock the sensor by turning the lever back in 90º

 

MDE GmbH - Small Vessel Wire Myograph Systems - Parts of the Calibration Unit
MDE GmbH - Small Vessel Wire Myograph Systems - Calibration
MDE GmbH - Small Vessel Wire Myograph Systems - Pumped Flow
MDE GmbH - Small Vessel Wire Myograph Systems - Gravitational Flow
Accessories Required for Operation

The analog amplifiers, the computer and the software constitute an autonomous, integrated unit in the workstation. This solution allows fast configuration, training and promotes concentration on the experimental work.

Recommended Software/Hardware for Recording

The following hardware-software systems are recommended to graphically display, store and analyze the measured physiological parameters:

  • SPEL ISOSYS (MDE GmbH)
  • SPEL KYMOGRAPH (MDE GmbH)
  • LabChart (ADInstruments)
  • AcqKnowledge (BIOPAC)
  • LabScribe (iWorx).

Modularity Features

Rapid extension to 1-4 channels

Two sets of vessel holders, depending on the diameter of the vessel being examined (Ø60 µm – Ø3 mm)
Covering lid against evaporation and heat loss
Field-stimulation electrodes (as per request)
Removable organ bath (with 2, 5, 10, 20 mL capacity)
Gas controller, with a freely positioned diffuser tip
Locking of the vessel holder to facilitate positioning of the organ
Isometric measuring sensor
Continuous temperature control as per request
The measuring unit (organ bath, manipulator, force transducer) can be unlocked and removed from the base plate
Temperature stabilization: circulating water bath thermostat

Available Models

IS-01: Four-Channel Modular Tissue Bath System For Smooth And Striated Muscle Investigations

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