General Information:

Ambulatory ECG and blood pressure can be monitored through the use of a telemetry system developed by Data Sciences International. This system eliminates the need for tethering and allows us to monitor mice for cardiac rhythm disturbances or blood pressure in the conscious mouse over long periods of time. EKG monitoring and blood pressure monitoring is done separately with different types of implants and cannot be done simultaneously. The software for monitoring each of these parameters allows us to tailor the schedule of recordings to each investigators needs. For instance, we can collect data points anywhere from 10 seconds per hour to 5 minutes every 3 hours. We can also record body temperature and activity. We have a dedicated room to house the mice that are being monitored.

Mice are anesthetized with a Ketamine/Xylazine cocktail that is administered IP and then prepped for surgery. For ECG monitoring, the implant is placed sub-Q in the back and leads are placed at the left shoulder and lower left chest and tacked to the muscle using suture. For blood pressure monitoring, the skin in the neck is cut to expose the carotid artery. The carotid artery is then catheterized with a polyurethane ticking that extends from the transmitter body. This tubing contains a biocompatible gel that sends messages of blood pressure fluctuations back to the transmitter. The catheter is secured to the carotid artery by suture knots and a small amount of glue. The body of the transmitter is placed in a sub-Q pocket that is created by blunt dissection in the animal’s flank. Both ECG and blood pressure surgeries are performed under sterile conditions. After the surgery, mice are placed in a recovery area on a warmer for a period of one week. The scheduled recordings start 7-10 days post-surgery. Data are delivered to investigators on disks for further analysis and we are available for consultation on all data issues.

ECG Telemetric Monitoring Services & Data Output: [ request form ]

Implantation of Transmitters and EKG Recording:
This procedure includes implantation of transmitters, post-operative single ECG recording for 24 hours and transmitter removal. Additional recording time is available. Heart rates/representative rhythm strips are provided at study end. (Services do not include arrhythmia monitoring or identification of ectopy.)

Data provided at study end: Summary report including surgery, survival, implant information and recording dates; spreadsheets of scheduled sampling times, heart rates and averages; printouts of representative ECG traces; and ascii files of complete data sets upon request.

Extra Services with EKG Telemetry:

Additional Recording Sessions:

Pharmacological Injections during study: Price varies (contact Kathryn Yamada)

Exercise Concomitant with EKG telemetry: (in addition to Exercise Request charges)

Organ Harvest:

Training in Data Interrogation:

Blood Pressure Telemetry Services & Data Output: [ request form ]

Implantation of Blood Pressure Transmitters and Blood Pressure Recording:
This procedure includes implantation of transmitters and carotid artery catheterization with a polyurethane ticking. Post-operative carotid pressure recordings for a single 24 hr recording session and eventual transmitter removal are included. Blood pressure fluctuations are recorded and data is collected and categorized. Blood pressure wave forms are provided at study end.

• Cost includes refurbishment of blood pressure catheter. Cost reflects amount we are charged for refurbs and may, therefore, be increased without advanced notice if the amount charged by Data Sciences increases.

Data provided at study end: Summary report including surgery, survival, implant information and recording dates; spreadsheets of scheduled sampling times, mean pressures, systolic and diastolic pressures, pulse pressures, heart rates and averages; printouts of representative blood pressure traces; and ascii files of complete data sets upon request.

Extra Services with BP Telemetry:

Additional Recording Sessions:

Pharmacological Injections during study: Price varies (contact Kathryn Yamada)

Exercise Concomitant with BP telemetry: (in addition to Exercise Request charges)

Organ Harvest:

Staff:

Kathryn A. Yamada

Education:
B.A. Chemistry, University of California at San Diego
Ph.D. Pharmacology, Georgetown University

Title:
Research Associate Professor of Medicine

Carrie Gierasch

Education:
B.S. Animal Science – University of Missouri, Columbia

Title:
Senior Research Technician

Work History:
1998-Present Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
1997-1998 Department of Animal Science, Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, University of Missouri, Columbia

Relevant Work Experience:
Reproductive Physiology Laboratory- Swine
Surgery & AI
Mouse Husbandry
Northern, Southern, Western Blotting
Murine Surgery