Small Animal Monitoring and Gating System
(For use in the laboratory & with PET, CT and SPECT)

The animal's electrocardiograph (ECG) waveform is measured using three leads with sub-dermal needle electrodes, gold disk surface electrodes or radio translucent pads. The waveform is processed to detect R-waves and determine the heart rate.

Temperature is measured using a small rectal temperature probe. The temperature measurement can be used with the Heater System to control the temperature of the animal. Temperature variations of ±0.1 ^oC can typically be obtained.

A respiration waveform is measured using a small pneumatic pillow placed next to the animal’s abdomen. The waveform is automatically processed to detect inspiration, expiration and respiration rate.

A blood pressure waveform is measured using a pressure transducer connected with small bore tubing to an invasive line in the animal. The waveform is processed to determine systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure.

Auxiliary input channels allow the user to acquire, record, display and gate from user generated signals.

A sophisticated user configured gating algorithm allows gates generated from each measured waveform to be combined to supply a trigger to the imager. The user can control the start, stop and width of each gate.

Power is supplied from an internal battery and/or an external 12 VDC power supply which operates from 100-230 VAC, 50-60 Hz. The internal battery is automatically charged when connected to line power.