Pressure Arteriography
Apply and Maintain Physiological Pressures in Cannulated Blood Vessels
System Overview
Pressure arteriography is the gold-standard for quantifying function, reactivity and mechanics in isolated perfused blood vessels. When embarking on pressure arteriography, many factors warrant consideration. In addition to the requisite surgical skills for isolating and cannulating small arteries, proper instrumentation is also paramount. Pressure arteriography, while a powerful tool, comprises a number of different hardware and software components that must integrate and operate properly.
Living Systems Instrumentation is the only provider for complete pressure arteriography systems that not only allow the researcher to quickly get their experiments up and running, but ensures the quality and reproducibility of the data collected. Not only is LSI the pioneer in pressure arteriography, they also have a long and comprehensive publication history that speaks to their established and state-of-the-art arteriography systems.
While there are other options for individual arteriograph components available from various sources, these require significant investment in time to optimize, refine and “debug” that delays maintaining a regular experiment schedule and often lack the robustness required for data integrity and confidence.
And with their long experiential history and comprehensive knowledge base, Living Systems is always available to assist and support all of your arteriography needs.
As with any research protocol, the priority is to focus on your data, not your instruments. So if you are considering pressure arteriography, you can rely on the tried, tested and true systems offered by Living Systems Instrumentation to deliver accurate results in a timely and uncomplicated manner.
Constant Pressure
- The vast majority of applications are well-served by constant pressure, no intraluminal flow setup
- Distal end of vessel is occluded
- Key components include a pressure source, vessel chamber, means for temperature control, and data acquisition hardware/software
Constant Pressure & Flow
- Setup for intravascular flow is a bit more complex
- Distal end of vessel remains open
- In addition to the basic items for regulating intravascular pressure, you will also need a pump to control intraluminal solution flow and a way to monitor pressure on both sides of the cannulated vessel
Parts of a Pressure Arteriography
- Vessel is mounted between the cannulae and tied in place with nylon thread (provided with the chamber)
- Cannulae provide access to the lumen of the vessel.
- Blood is flushed out of the vessel
- Superfusion of desired buffer into chamber and into vessel
Vessel Chambers
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Single Vessel Chamber
Most Versatile Chamber Design
The CH-1 is Living System’s most versatile chamber design and is ideal for experiments requiring vessel diameter measurements. This chamber is well-suited for use in widefield and confocal microscopy, or standard transmitted light microscopy, and allows visualization of blood vessels as small as 30 µm in diameter. Living System’s temperature controller (TC-09S) can be used to directly control or monitor bath temperature. For monitoring or controlling bath temperature, a bath thermistor sensor (THRS) is also required. Check out Living System’s self-heated single vessel chamber package (CH-1-SH) for self-heating temperature control applications.
- Bath temperature control is achieved via superfusion
- Can be used with temperature controller (TC-09S) for self-heating applications
- Angled cannula holders allow positioning vessel near bottom coverglass surface for confocal use, or when working distance is an issue
- Straight cannula holders for general use
- Removable cover with gas ports for controlling atmospheric gas composition (e.g., hypoxia or anesthetic gases)
- Optional platinum stimulation electrodes (STIM-1) can be used for nerve/muscle electrical field stimulation
| Bath Volume | Dimensions |
|---|---|
|
3-8 ml |
13.08 cm W x 3.58 cm H x 9.0 cm D |
Dual Vessel Chamber
Optimized Experimental throughput
The CH-2 chamber is used to optimize experimental throughput, allowing two vessels to be mounted side by side. This chamber can be used for wide-field or confocal fluorescence microscopy , as well as standard transmitted light microscopy. The dual vessel chamber is ideal for bioassay work where perfusate from one vessel is routed to the adjacent vessel. It allows visualization of blood vessels as small as 30 µm in diameter. Living System’s temperature controller (TC-09D) can be used to directly control or monitor bath temperature. For monitoring or controlling bath temperature, a bath thermistor sensor (THRS) is also required for each of the two vessel baths. Check out Living System’s self-heated dual vessel chamber package (LS-CH-2-SH) for self-heating temperature control applications.
- Used in cases where users want to have two vessels going simultaneously.
- Use with temperature controller (TC-09D) for self-heating applications
- Independent perfusion and superfusion ports
- Monitor temperature in each bath using thermistor temperature sensor (THRS) (meter also required)
- Angled cannula holders allow positioning vessel near bottom coverglass surface for confocal use, or when working distance is an issue
- Straight cannula holders for general use
- Removable covers with gas ports for controlling atmospheric gas composition (e.g., hypoxia or anesthetic gases)
- Holder for pH electrode (PH-E) to monitor pH in either bath
- Optional platinum stimulation electrodes (STIM-2) can be used for nerve/muscle electrical field stimulation
Watch our video here:
Watch our video here:
Linear Alignment Vessel Chamber
Ideal for New Users
The CH-1-LIN Linear Alignment Vessel Chamber represents Living System’s latest design for their arteriograph line. Living System’s has incorporated three-axis (X-Y-Z) linear controls on both the proximal and distal cannulae arms. Cannulae can be easily aligned in three-dimensional space in just seconds using the simple thumb screws. No special tools are needed. The chamber is ideal for new users of pressure arteriographs, because alignment of the cannulae has been greatly simplified.
- Cannula alignment is linear in all 3 axes. Greatly facilitates cannula alignment.
- Proximal and distal cannulae can be easily adjusted in three-dimensional space.
- Replacing broken glass cannulae has been simplified.
- Optical window facilitating imaging studies
- Available as a stand-alone chamber, or with self-heating capabilities
Self Heated Single Vessel Chamber
Heat the Vessel Chamber Directly
In some cases, such as when using expensive peptides or other drugs, bath superfusion is not an option. These applications call for minimizing the volume of bath fluid to keep the amount of reagents used to a minimum. In these cases, heating the bath to physiological temperatures can be problematic. However, with Living System’s single vessel chamber (CH-1) and temperature controller (TC-09S), you can heat the vessel chamber directly to physiological temperatures. This package contains everything needed to conduct these self-heating studies in a single vessel chamber.
Package Components:
- Single vessel chamber (CH-1)
- Temperature controller (TC-09S)
- Thermistor temperature sensor (THRS)
- Heater, power, and signal output cables
Self Heated Dual Vessel Chamber
Run Experiments at Physiological Temperatures
Living System’s CH-2-SH package is designed to provide dual vessel chamber users an option for running experiments at physiological temperatures in the absence of bath superfusion. This package contains everything needed to run dual vessel chamber studies by heating the dual vessel chamber (CH-2) directly to the desired temperature.
Package Components:
- Dual vessel chamber (CH-2)
- Temperature controller (TC-09D)
- Two thermistor temperature sensors (THRS)
- Heater, power, and signal output cables
Linear Alignment Vessel Chamber
Ideal for New Users
The CH-1-LIN Linear Alignment Vessel Chamber represents Living System’s latest design for their arteriograph line. Living System’s has incorporated three-axis (X-Y-Z) linear controls on both the proximal and distal cannulae arms. Cannulae can be easily aligned in three-dimensional space in just seconds using the simple thumb screws. No special tools are needed. The chamber is ideal for new users of pressure arteriographs, because alignment of the cannulae has been greatly simplified.
Includes:
- Linear Alignment Single Vessel Chamber
- Temperature Controller
- Thermistor Temperature Sensor
- Chamber Heater Cable
Special Chambers
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Linear Alignment Large Vessel Chamber
For Cannulation & Perfusion of Large Hollow Organ
Suitable for cannulation & perfusion of large hollow organs, such as blood vessels (e.g. aorta, carotid), intestine, airway, mid-gut, or colon. The unique size of this chamber also makes it suitable for other applications, such as insect mid-gut cannulation.
- Can be used with 12, 14, 19, 22, and 25 gauge stainless steel canulae
- Rigid stainless steel cannulae are virtually unbreakable
- Tubing barb for thread ties to easily secure the attachment of your vessel
- Optical viewing window for imaging studies, ideal for backlighting and viewing with a stereoscope
- Both cannulae feature three axis (X-Y-Z) positioning for easy alignment and length adjustments
- Make adjustments in seconds using simple thumb screws, no special tools required
- Designed for superfusion applications
- New thermistor for monitoring bath temperature using optional temperature controller (TC-09S, sold separately)
- Waterproof connection port for the thermistor (IP67 rated)
Notes:
- Bath cannot be heated directly, heating of superfusate line requires an external heat exchanger (BATH-HEAT-CIRC) (GHE), and temperature controller (TC-09S)
- Chamber shown with 20 gauge cannulae, sold separately
| Chamber Material | Mounting Type | Vessel Size | Dimensions | Bath Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Delrin, stainless steel |
Stainless Steel Cannulae |
500 µ – 4 mm |
(overall): 8.22” L x 7.57” W x 2.39” H (20.89 x 19.23 x 6.07 cm) |
50 ml |
Axially Rotating Single Vessel Chamber
Ideally Suited for Larger Diameter Vessels
This axially rotating single vessel chamber rotates the vessel to image adjacent cell structures using confocal or Nomarski optics. This is useful for injections of caged agents and observation after inversion. The angled cannula holders bring the vessel close to the coverslip for simultaneous diameter and fluorescence measurements, and pressure and perfusion is maintained during the rotation. Optional standard cannula holders (RCH) can be used in this chamber. It is ideally suited for larger diameter vessels with longer lengths because it has a longer bath.
Advantages:
- Rotation angle continuously adjustable
- Cannulas rotate together to prevent vessel twist (tool supplied)
- Optional thermistor probe for bath temperature measurement (meter also required)
- Vessel may be perfused and/or superfused
- Chamber can be used for many experimental applications
- Transmural electric field stimulation electrodes (optional)
| Bath Volume | Dimensions |
|---|---|
|
6–10 ml |
13.08 cm W x 3.58 cm H x 9.0 cm D |
Watch our video here:
Watch our video here:
Quick Transfer Single Vessel Chamber
For Rapid Freezing or Fixation of a Cannulated and Pressurized Vessel
This chamber is designed for rapid freezing or fixation of a cannulated and pressurized vessel for biochemical or morphometric studies.
One section of the CH-1-QT contains the experimental chamber where a superfused vessel may be examined for its diameter responses to pharmacological agents, pressure, flow, etc.
A glass coverslip allows visualization of the vessel for lumen diameter and wall measurements using the video dimension analyzer (VDA-10). The other section has a well that a removable tray fits into.
A lever arm is used to quickly transfer (~1 sec) the vessel and its tubing connections from the chamber to the tray. In this way, the physiological state of the vessel (pressure, myogenic tone, etc) can be maintained during the freezing or fixation process. The CH-1-QT will readily tolerate the low temperature of an acetone-dry ice freezing solution, liquid nitrogen, or various fixing solutions.
| Bath Volume | Dimensions | Working Distance |
|---|---|---|
|
6-10ml |
13.08 cm W x 4.11 cm H x 9.0 cm D |
Requires minimum 1.8 mm WD objective lens |
Perfusion Chamber with Metal Block for Magnetic Accessories
Ideal for Cellular Physiology Studies Requiring Bath Superfusion in a Low Volume.
This miniature perfusion chamber is ideal for cellular physiology studies requiring bath superfusion in a low volume.
The chamber fits on the stage of an inverted microscope. Mounting holes are included for inflow and outflow tubes. In addition, you can use magnetic accessories by attaching them to the embedded metal block.
Does not include magnetic tube holder accessory.
| Base/Width | Tube Pedestal: | Metal Block: | Bath Volume (approximate): |
|---|---|---|---|
|
44.5 mm Length: 88.9 mm Thickness: 6.4 mm |
5.8 mm Tall |
Width: 11.1 mm Length: 43.3 mm |
0.5 to 0.8 ml |
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Sealed Single Vessel Chamber
Versatile Sealed Single Vessel Chamber
This versatile sealed singe vessel chamber can be used for long-term vessel perfusion, vessel culture, gene transfer, remodeling studies and extravascular compression.
Features:
- Vessel may be perfused and/or superfused
- Steady or pulsatile pressures may be applied extravascularly
- Angled cannula holders for simultaneous diameter and fluorescence (e.g., Ca2+) or confocal measurements
- Chamber can be used for many experimental applications
- Removable cover
- Also available in self-heating model
- Not compatible with platinum stimulation electrodes (stim-1. stim-2)
| Bath Volume | Dimensions |
|---|---|
|
3-8ml |
13.08 cm W x 5.21 cm H x 11.1 cm D |
Sealed Vessel Self Heated Chamber
Self-Heated Package
This is the self-heated package containing Living System’s CH-1-AU Sealed Single Vessel Chamber.
Package Includes:
- CH-1-AU Sealed Vessel Chamber
- TC-09S Temperature Controller
- THRS Thermistor
- Heater, signal output, and power cables
Past Webinars - Pressure Arteriography
Publications & Articles
Application Note: Measuring Coronary Flow Reserve
System Used: Doppler Flow Velocity System M-Series View Paper Here Background Coronary flow
Science Corner: Doppler Flow Velocity Imaging at Dr. Olgin’s Research Lab
Doppler Flow Velocity Imaging at Dr. Olgin’s Research Lab Dr. Jeff Olgin. “Dr.
Article review: “Effects of Isoflurane on Coronary Blood Flow Velocity in Young, Old, and ApoE−/− Mice Measured by Doppler Ultrasound”
Article review: “Effects of Isoflurane on Coronary Blood Flow Velocity in Young, Old,
Frequent Asked Questions – Vessel Chambers
Frequently Asked Questions: Vessel Chambers This Frequently Asked Questions document has been designed
Frequent Asked Questions – Pressure Arteriograph Systems
Frequently Asked Questions: Pressure Arteriograph Systems This frequently asked questions document has been
Frequent Asked Questions – Video Dimension Analyzer
Frequently Asked Questions: Video Dimension Analyzer Measurement of Large Diameter Vessels 1. Can