LF-13-MINI System for isolated, perfused heart (Compact Langendorff) for ischemia reperfusion studies

• Langendorff and Janiczky-type working heart (retrograde) perfusion modes
• All-in-one thermostatically controlled architecture with 0.1 °C degrees increments
• No need for external thermostate
• Four saline reservoirs with 2 litres total volume
• Independent use of reservoirs if needed (2*1 litre, 4*500 ml)
• Special semi-automatic lifting heart suspending module
• Different sized MAP sensors for mouse, rat, guinea-pig and rabbit hearts
• Electronically adjusted flow rate to keep the pressure (0-500 mmHg)
• Parameters can be measured: MAP, lvp, perfusion pressure, coronary flow, buffer temperature, heart rate, ECG, surface potential, muscular tone and force (even with the force-displacement method)
• Pacing/stimulation is also possible

The Experimetria Compact Langendorff System is designed for perfusion experiments of small animal hearts (mouse, rat, guinea-pig and rabbit) in constant pressure and/or flow mode. While the system needs only a small bench top, it provides all the features are needed for experiments both in Langendorff and in working heart perfusion modes. The whole system forms one thermostatically controlled unit, including four reservoirs, a unique lifting heart suspending module and a built-in thermostate with 0.1 °C degrees increments. The perfusate reservoirs can store 4*500 ml preheated and oxygenized saline, they can be connected via valves to form one large (2 litres) or two medium (2*1 litre) reservoirs or they can be used independently. In the latter case the effect of a drug in three different doses (plus control) can be investigated consecutively or three or four drugs can be studied at the same time or consecutively. The heart suspending module can be lifted up semi-automatically, heart is fastened to it then the whole unit is sinking into the 12-lead MAP sensor directly. Due to this design heart suspension is very easy because there is a lot of space for hands. After sinking the heart into the saline solution the MAP sensor can be adjusted to the proper position for adequate electrical connections. There are different sized MAP sensors for mouse, rat, guinea-pig and rabbit hearts. The flow of perfusates is driven by a Gilson-like peristaltic pump equipped with 8 rollers. Flow rate is electronically adjusted to keep the desired pressure (between 0-500 mmHg) at every time.

In the Langendorff perfusion mode heart contraction, heart rate and lvp can be measured; the latter one can be done either with a fluid-filled balloon catheter and pressure transducer or with a Millar Mikro-tip pressure catheter.

In the working heart perfusion mode heart load, flow and pressure properties of saline solution mimic the in situ heart operation, while lvp can be measured with a Millar Mikro-tip pressure catheter.

As an extra function muscular tone and force and their change in response to electrical, chemical or pharmacological stimuli can be also measured with the force-displacement method.