Small animal imaging:
- Physiological monitoring subsystem
- for in-vivo micro-CT systems
Physiological monitoring subsystem
Subsystem for physiological monitoring of the small laboratory animals during scanning in in-vivo micro-CT scanners contains following parts:
TV-camera in the animal bed produce real-time visual image. Operator can see the animal on the computer screen in any time including x-ray scanning. Special software detect local movement of the animal body. This information can be used for scanning synchronization with animal's breathing.
Air / gas flow sensor can be connected to the mask in the animal bed for direct breathing detection. The breathing sensor reacts to the changes of the direction in the air or gas flow. Typical sensitivity is 0.002 mBar differential pressure or 1sccm (1 cm3 of gas per minute ) airflow. Sensor can be connected in between of the gas anaesthesia system and the pipe to the animal's mask.
Temperature sensor on the animal bed measure the body temperature with accuracy of 0.2-0.3C in the range of 18C...40C. Physiological monitoring software shows this information on the screen as a curve and numerical value. Operator can adjust a specific temperature for switching of animal heating by airflow in the case of measured temperature decreases under this value.
ECG-amplifier connected to the animal by special non-metallic wires and electrodes. It make all connections practically invisible in x-ray image. Heart pulses and numerical value of the heart rate are indicated onto the screen.
Screencopy of the SkyScan-1076 software during scanning with Physiological Monitoring:
- Left part - scout view (up to 200mm) with selection of the scanning position;
- Central part - real-time x-ray image and progress indicator;
- Right bottom - physiological monitoring and real-time visual image of the animal.
Physiological Monitoring window onto the screen:
It is a screencopy of the help-information with explanation of all functions available in physiological monitoring subsystem.
