Rodent Microsurgery and Hemodynamic Measurements Training Program

A rodent microsurgery and equipment training program for cardiovascular researchers focused on collecting pressure-volume loops and creating cardiac disease models such as MI and TAC in small animals.

This rodent microsurgery workshop is designed for scientists who want to develop and hone their surgical skills while learning about advanced applications and measurements of hemodynamics and cardiovascular function in rodent models. The laboratory training component is supplemented with course material delivered by webinar – this ensures registrants are adequately prepared for lab training modules and maximizes hands-on time in the lab.

Course attendees will gain in-depth experience using catheter-tipped pressure transducers and pressure-volume catheters as the primary means of studying cardiac performance in both open and closed-chest models.  Attendees will learn how to monitor and analyze baseline hemodynamic data as well as advanced PV loop indices of function including preload, afterload, contractility, lusitropy, and heart-vasculature interactions.  Attendees also have the option of learning how to acquire and analyze right ventricular PV loops.  The course focuses on rodent survival surgery and producing reliable models of cardiac dysfunction, including myocardial infarction and aortic banding (TAC). Course topics include how to create models of disease consistently and the associated methods for studying changes in function.

<< For complete workshop details, download the course brochure >>

Laboratory equipment for this course has been graciously supplied by the following companies:

• Transonic Systems:  Pressure and Pressure-Volume Catheters and Hardware (learn more)
• ADInstruments: Data Acquisition and Analysis Systems (learn more)
• Scintica Instrumentation: Indus Instruments Rodent Surgical Monitoring Systems (learn more)
• Kent Scientific: Rodent Ventilation and Low-Flow Anesthesia Systems (learn more)
• Harvard Apparatus:  Mouse Ventilation and Surgical Tools (learn more)
• Durect Corporation: ALZET Osmotic Pumps (learn more)
• W. Nuhsbaum:  Leica M60 microscope, illumination and camera system for surgical demonstration (learn more)

Learning Outcomes:

• Foundations in rodent microsurgery – microscopy, tools and optimization of surgical area
• Sedation, intubation, vital signs monitoring and vessel isolation
• Open and closed-chest surgical approaches for accessing the left and right ventricles
• Introduction to Pressure-Volume Loop (PV Loop) measurements using combination pressure-volume catheters
• Survival procedures, including myocardial infarction and aortic banding models (others upon request)
• Advanced PV loop concepts including contractility, energetics and work
• How to record and analyze load-independent measurements of function (ESPVR, EDPVR, PRSW)
• Proper statistical analysis of hemodynamic data and how to present data for publication