Animal Anesthesia Platform Model 68620 – Height-Adjustable Mask Positioning System for Rodent and Feline Inhalation Anesthesia

Overview

The Animal Anesthesia Platform Model 68620 is a precision-engineered mechanical height-adjustment system designed exclusively for use with inhalation anesthesia face masks in preclinical rodent and feline research. It operates on a manual, gear-driven vertical translation principle—providing stable, repeatable, and backlash-free elevation or lowering of the mask assembly to align the central orifice precisely with the animal’s nares. This alignment is critical for achieving consistent anesthetic gas delivery, minimizing leakage, and ensuring reproducible depth-of-anesthesia across longitudinal or multi-subject studies. The platform integrates seamlessly with standard small-animal anesthesia systems (e.g., vaporizer–flowmeter–scavenging configurations) and supports both single- and dual-tube mask interfaces. Its robust aluminum alloy construction ensures long-term dimensional stability under repeated sterilization cycles and daily laboratory use.

Key Features

• Manual fine-height adjustment via calibrated micrometer-style knob, enabling ±0.5 mm incremental positioning over a 120 mm total travel range
• Universal mounting interface compatible with ISO-standard 3/8″–16 threaded posts and standard lab bench clamps (e.g., Thorlabs, Newport)
• Non-slip rubberized base plate with integrated leveling feet for vibration-dampened operation on laminar flow hoods or anesthesia workstations
• Corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum housing rated for repeated exposure to isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane vapors
• Modular design allows rapid reconfiguration between mouse, rat, cat, rabbit, and juvenile animal mask types without tools
• No electrical components—eliminates electromagnetic interference risks near sensitive electrophysiology or imaging setups

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Model 68620 platform accommodates all face masks listed in the manufacturer’s catalog—including but not limited to: Model 68610 (22 mm orifice, rodent/feline), 68614 (tapered rat mask), 68615 (10 mm mouse mask), 68616 (15 mm rat mask), and R510-series dual-tube masks. It supports compliance with internationally recognized animal welfare and experimental standards, including AAALAC International accreditation requirements for humane anesthesia delivery, NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Section IV.C.3), and EU Directive 2010/63/EU Annex VIII criteria for minimally stressful inhalation induction. When used in conjunction with certified scavenging systems (e.g., activated charcoal canisters meeting ISO 15001:2020), the platform contributes to full workflow adherence to OSHA 1910.1200 (Hazard Communication) and NIOSH recommendations for waste anesthetic gas exposure limits (<2 ppm isoflurane TWA).

Software & Data Management

As a purely mechanical positioning device, the Model 68620 does not incorporate embedded electronics, firmware, or software interfaces. Consequently, it requires no driver installation, network configuration, or cybersecurity validation. All positional settings are manually recorded and traceable via standard lab notebook entries or LIMS-integrated SOP documentation. For GLP- or GCP-regulated studies, users may log height adjustments alongside anesthesia start time, vaporizer concentration, and animal ID in validated electronic data capture (EDC) systems. No 21 CFR Part 11 compliance burden applies; however, audit trails remain fully reconstructible through procedural documentation per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 7.5.2 (Control of records).

Applications

• Standardized induction and maintenance of inhalational anesthesia in C57BL/6, BALB/c, Sprague-Dawley, and Wistar strains during surgical procedures (e.g., craniotomy, tracheostomy, catheter implantation)
• Functional neuroimaging experiments (fMRI, PET, optical intrinsic signal imaging) requiring precise head immobilization and minimal mask-induced motion artifact
• Longitudinal pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies where inter-session mask positioning variability must be eliminated
• Development and validation of novel anesthetic delivery protocols, including low-flow and closed-circuit techniques in rodents
• Training modules for veterinary and biomedical students on principles of small-animal anesthesia physiology and equipment handling

FAQ

Is the Model 68620 compatible with third-party anesthesia machines?
Yes—it interfaces mechanically with any vaporizer-equipped anesthesia system using standard 1/4″ OD tubing or rigid acrylic mask mounts.
Does the platform include a face mask?
No. Masks are ordered separately; recommended part numbers include 68610 (22 mm), 68614 (tapered rat), and R510-36 (dual-tube rat).
Can it be sterilized between uses?
Yes. The anodized aluminum structure tolerates repeated wiping with 70% ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, or approved veterinary disinfectants (e.g., Virkon S); autoclaving is not recommended.
What is the maximum load capacity?
The platform supports up to 1.2 kg static load, sufficient for all listed masks plus attached tubing and lightweight adapters.
Is technical support available outside China?
Distributor-level engineering support is provided through authorized regional partners in North America, EMEA, and APAC; documentation includes English-language user manuals and ISO-compliant calibration certificates.