Quite possibly you are already using the ECGenie in your pre-clinical research, to non-invasively monitor the heart of your awake laboratory animals. We are quite proud of this elegant device to non-invasively study the heart of conscious rodents, and are always thinking of ways to improve and extend the technology.
We have recently patented a novel extension to the ECGenie methodology that significantly increases the speed at which you can record the ECG, while improving the quality of the ECG signals themselves. We have packaged our recent patented technology into a newly revamped ECGenie lead plate.
The new and improved ECGenie lead plates (US Patent #8,694,086) speed up the recording of ECG data by more than 30% faster than the legacy foot plate electrodes. In our hands, the stability and quality of the ECG signals also appear to be greatly enhanced. With this new lead plate design, you will increase your research productivity and efficiency.
The Data
We measured the time to collect ~5 seconds of good quality continuous ECG signals [representing ~60 PQRST complexes] by the ECGenie via the legacy lead plates [Figure 2A] and via the newly patented lead plates [Figure 2B]. Mice were alternatively placed on the ECGenie platform with either a legacy design lead plate or a newly patented lead plate. Between measurements, the mice were returned to their cages for a few minutes prior to re-placement on the ECGenie platform. This procedure was repeated 6 times for each design (12 measurements per
mouse).
The mean time duration for obtaining good ECG signals using the new lead plates was ~10 seconds while the mean duration with the legacy design was ~ 25 seconds. This is a significant reduction in the time required for collecting data, representing markedly improved throughput. Independent observers agreed that the time for data collection and quality of the signals were greatly improved with the new design.
The Signals
As you may know by now, the challenge with obtaining ECG in awake mice has been artifact associated with animal movement. The new lead plate design is much more forgiving to animal movement because the animal is more often in contact with electrodes of the opposite polarity. The great features of the companion EzCG analysis software reveal all of the PQRST morphology of the signals, automatically generating all of the interval durations, ensemble averaged signals, and heart rate variability metrics, in the time and frequency domain. EzCG also automatically generates the power spectra, and heart rate variability tachograms.
FAQ for the New Lead Plates
Q: What do I need to do with my old lead plates?
A: Nothing. You can still use them.
Q: What happens to old lead plates?
A: The old version will be discontinued as of 10/31/16.
Q: Any price difference?
A: New ECGenie plates may cost slightly more due to the increased amount of conductive material inherent with the new design. However, because the signals appear faster, the lead plates may experience less contamination, increasing their life, effecting a lower net effective price per ECG recorded.
Q: Do I have to purchase a new ECGenie for the new lead plates?
A: No. New ECGenie plates are compatible to any previous versions of ECGenie.
Finally….
The new lead plates will allow researchers and technicians to non-invasively collect copious amounts of cardiovascular data from awake laboratory mice. The speed and ease with which you can monitor the heart of your mice should significantly increase research productivity and efficiency.
To order, visit our Store on the MSI website:
Buy ECGenie Lead Plates.