Physiological
monitoring subsystem
Subsystem for
physiological monitoring of the small laboratory
animals during scanning in in-vivo micro-CT scanners
contains following parts:

TV-camera in the animal
bed produce real-time visual image. Operator can see
the animal on the computer screen in any time
including x-ray scanning. Special software detect
local movement of the animal body. This information
can be used for scanning synchronization with
animal's breathing.
Air / gas flow sensor
can be connected to the mask in the animal bed for
direct breathing detection. The breathing sensor
reacts to the changes of the direction in the air or
gas flow. Typical sensitivity is 0.002 mBar
differential pressure or 1sccm (1 cm3 of gas per
minute )
airflow. Sensor can be connected in between of the
gas anaesthesia system and the pipe to the animal's
mask.
Temperature sensor on
the animal bed measure the body temperature with
accuracy of 0.2-0.3C in the range of 18C...40C.
Physiological monitoring software shows this
information on the screen as a curve and numerical
value. Operator can adjust a specific temperature for
switching of animal heating by airflow in the case of
measured temperature decreases under this value.
ECG-amplifier connected
to the animal by special non-metallic wires and
electrodes. It make all connections practically
invisible in x-ray image. Heart pulses and numerical
value of the heart rate are indicated onto the screen.
Screencopy of
the SkyScan-1076 software during scanning with
Physiological Monitoring:

- Left part
- scout view (up to 200mm) with selection of
the scanning position;
- Central
part - real-time x-ray image and progress
indicator;
- Right
bottom - physiological monitoring and real-time
visual image of the animal.
Physiological
Monitoring window onto the screen:

It is a
screencopy of the help-information with explanation
of all functions available in physiological
monitoring subsystem.