End-Tidal CO₂ Monitor for Animal Anesthesia Monitoring
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Import Status | Imported |
| Model | ETCO₂-ANIMAL |
| Price | Upon Request |
Overview
The ETCO₂-ANIMAL End-Tidal CO₂ Monitor is a dedicated, microprocessor-controlled gas analysis system engineered for real-time, non-invasive monitoring of respiratory and anesthetic parameters in laboratory animals during surgical and procedural interventions. Utilizing infrared (IR) absorption spectroscopy—specifically nondispersive infrared (NDIR) technology—the instrument quantifies carbon dioxide concentration in exhaled breath with high specificity and temporal resolution. It measures end-tidal CO₂ (ETCO₂), inspired CO₂ (InspCO₂), respiratory rate (RR), and delivers time-based capnographic waveforms (Phase I–III) synchronized to the animal’s respiratory cycle. Designed for integration into rodent, rabbit, and small-to-medium-sized mammal anesthesia workflows, the device supports both spontaneous and controlled ventilation modes and operates within clinically validated physiological ranges for veterinary and preclinical research applications.
Key Features
- Infrared (NDIR) optical sensor with temperature and pressure compensation for stable calibration across ambient and intra-chamber environments
- Simultaneous acquisition of ETCO₂ (0–15 kPa / 0–113 mmHg), InspCO₂ (0–5 kPa), and respiratory rate (2–120 breaths/min)
- High-fidelity capnogram display with adjustable time base (1–10 s/div) and amplitude scaling (1–10 mm/kPa)
- Configurable dual-stage alarm system: audible (85 dB @ 10 cm) and visual (LED flash) alerts for ETCO₂ deviation, apnea, or high/low RR thresholds
- RS-232 serial interface (DB9 male) compliant with standard TTL voltage levels; supports ASCII data streaming at 9600 baud (optional cable available)
- Compact, rack-mountable chassis with integrated animal-grade airway adapter port and low-dead-volume sampling line (0.8 mL internal volume)
- Auto-zero function with ambient air reference cycle every 24 hours; manual zeroing accessible via front-panel menu
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ETCO₂-ANIMAL is validated for use with intubated or mask-ventilated rodents (mice, rats), guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, and juvenile swine (≤25 kg). Sampling is performed via sidestream aspiration using a 2.5 m heated sampling line (optional) to prevent condensation and CO₂ adsorption. The system meets essential safety and performance criteria outlined in ISO 80601-2-55:2018 (Medical electrical equipment — Part 2-55: Particular requirements for basic safety and essential performance of respiratory gas analyzers) and aligns with GLP-compliant data acquisition practices. All firmware and hardware revisions are traceable per ISO 13485:2016 documentation protocols. While not FDA-cleared for human use, the device adheres to ASTM F2785-21 standards for preclinical ventilatory monitoring instrumentation.
Software & Data Management
Data output via RS-232 is formatted as ASCII-delimited strings (tab-separated values), including timestamp (YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS.mmm), ETCO₂ (kPa), InspCO₂ (kPa), RR (bpm), and waveform status flag. Compatible with third-party acquisition platforms including LabChart (ADInstruments), AcqKnowledge (BIOPAC), and custom Python/Matlab scripts using pySerial or Data Acquisition Toolbox. Optional PC software (ETCO₂-View v3.2) provides real-time waveform overlay, trend logging (≥72 h at 10 Hz), CSV export, and configurable annotation markers. Audit trail functionality records user login, parameter changes, calibration events, and alarm triggers—supporting 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when deployed on validated Windows OS environments with electronic signature modules.
Applications
- Monitoring cardiopulmonary stability during rodent survival surgery under isoflurane, sevoflurane, or halothane anesthesia
- Validation of mechanical ventilation settings in acute lung injury (ALI) or ARDS models
- Assessment of metabolic depression during hypothermic protocols or pharmacological intervention studies
- Capnography-guided resuscitation endpoints in cardiac arrest or hemorrhagic shock models
- Longitudinal respiratory phenotyping in genetically modified mouse strains (e.g., CFTR⁻/⁻, SOD1ᴳ⁹³ᴬ)
- Training platform for veterinary anesthesiology fellows in small-animal perioperative care
FAQ
What gases does the ETCO₂-ANIMAL measure?
It measures carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration exclusively—both end-tidal (ETCO₂) and inspired (InspCO₂)—using NDIR detection. It does not analyze volatile anesthetics (e.g., isoflurane, sevoflurane); those require a separate anesthetic gas analyzer.
Is calibration required before each use?
A full two-point calibration (zero and span) is recommended before first use in a new study series. Subsequent daily verification using room air (zero) and certified 5% CO₂ in nitrogen (span) ensures traceability; auto-zero occurs automatically every 24 h.
Can the device be used with non-intubated animals?
Yes—via nasal/oral sampling adapters or face mask interfaces, though accuracy may decrease in low-flow or high-leak scenarios typical of unrestrained or conscious animals.
Does the monitor support synchronization with ECG or blood pressure signals?
The RS-232 output includes no native TTL sync pulse; however, external hardware triggering (e.g., via DAQ digital I/O) can align timestamps across modalities when using compatible acquisition systems.
Is the sampling line heated?
The standard line is unheated; a 37°C heated line (P/N HT-ETCO₂-2.5M) is available as an accessory to minimize water vapor condensation in high-humidity environments or prolonged procedures.
