A Complete Solution from DSI | Ponemah and Scisense

Data Sciences International (DSI) is pleased to offer a complete and robust solution of indwelling catheters, acquisition hardware and data analysis software through its partnership with Scisense, Inc. Researchers can get a complete system through one source and receive the same high level of customer support and service that DSI has offered for more than 20 years.

Better Data with Scisense Catheters

Scisense, Inc. specializes in the direct measurement of fluid pressures, volumes and ECG for medical research. Common applications include:

• blood pressure (ventricular and arterial)
• ventricular volume
• pressure-volume loops
• electrocardiograms
• bladder and other organ pressure and volume studies
• neurological pressure measurements

Sensors range in size from an ultra-miniature 1.2 French (F) suitable for working with transgenic mice all the way up to 7 F for large animal models such as canines and pigs. Ask your DSI representative for a list of available catheter specifications.

The high precision blood pressure, pressure-volume and ECG catheters from Scisense and DSI allow for complete characterization of a subject's cardiovascular phenotype. The entire range of Scisense catheters is compatible with all commercial data acquisition systems, including DSI’s world class Ponemah acquisition and analysis platform. Current Millar users can rest assured that Scisense catheters are compatible with their existing hardware components.

Optimal Size

The ultra miniature 1.2 F pressure and pressure-volume catheters are carefully designed for an optimal balance between firmness (durability) and invasiveness.

Woldbaek et al reported (Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 285: H2233–H2239, 2003.) that a 1.2 French size sensor inserted "from the right carotid artery into the left ventricle in six mice caused no drop in mean aortic pressure, whereas introduction of a 1.4-Fr Millar catheter (OD = 0.47 mm; n = 6) caused a pressure drop from 91.6 +/- 9.2 to 65.1 +/- 6.2 mmHg; P < 0.05". Woldbaek et al concluded that "the introduction of the 1.4-Fr Millar catheter to the same positions caused a significant drop in mean aortic blood pressure, indicating that this catheter affects central hemodynamics". Based on this research, the 1.2 F ultra miniature catheter offered by Scisense is the ideal size to evaluate transgenic mice. Smaller sizes can lead to increased fragility and decreased lifespan of the probes, and therefore should be avoided wherever possible.

Accompanying Platform Components

Acquisition Interface
Both the DSI | Ponemah 7700 series and ACQ-16 amplifiers are designed to interface to Ponemah software. The ACQ-16 (pictured right) digitizes up to 16 preconditioned, high-level signals and connects to a computer via a USB port. This makes data acquisition possible with either a desktop PC or a laptop computer. The inputs can be configured to accommodate signals in the range of +/-2.5, +/- 5 and +/-10 volts.

Ponemah Software from DSI
Ponemah Analysis Modules derive physiological parameters from the digitized primary input signal from any species. The Analysis Modules function by applying a series of logical tests to the digitized signals using criteria selected by the user for a reliable and robust analysis of the data. Each Analysis Module has a host of features including filters, validation marks, Part 11 audit notes and precision settings. In addition, specific functionality for each physiological signal type is incorporated to ensure proper signal detection.

Request more information on this product.