RWD 68217/68205/68214/68215/68221 Sleeve & Ceramic Ferrule Holders

Overview

The RWD 68217/68205/68214/68215/68221 Sleeve and Ceramic Ferrule Holders are precision-engineered mechanical fixtures designed for stable, repeatable positioning and secure clamping of optical cannulas, ceramic ferrules, and metal implantation guides during stereotactic neurosurgical procedures—particularly in optogenetics, electrophysiology, and chronic neural interface studies. These holders integrate seamlessly into standard stereotaxic frames via a V-shaped adapter (Model 68207) that interfaces with an 8 mm vertical support rod, enabling precise height adjustment and orthogonal alignment relative to the animal’s skull surface. Each model is purpose-built to accommodate specific outer diameters and material constraints, ensuring minimal slippage, zero torsional deformation, and consistent axial loading during insertion or retrieval—critical for maintaining target coordinate fidelity and minimizing tissue displacement.

Key Features

• Modular design with standardized 8 mm rod compatibility via V-groove coupling (Adapter 68207 included in system integration)
• Dual-material clamping options: polymer-based (68217, 68221) for reduced thermal conductivity and enhanced biocompatibility; stainless steel (68205) for high rigidity and long-term durability under repeated sterilization cycles
• Ferrule-specific variants (68214, 68215) engineered for controlled axial release—enabling atraumatic extraction of 1.25 mm or 2.5 mm ceramic/metal ferrules post-implantation without twisting or shearing forces
• Optimized jaw geometry with micro-textured gripping surfaces to prevent surface marring on delicate optical sleeves (e.g., stainless steel or quartz cannulas)
• Calibrated clamping force distribution across E-value 3.5 mm base diameter configurations (68217/68205/68221), supporting both single-tube and dual-tube mounting arrangements
• Autoclavable construction (all metal variants) compliant with ISO 17664 for reprocessing validation in GLP-accredited preclinical labs

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

These holders are validated for use with standard neuroscientific implant hardware including but not limited to: stainless steel optical cannulas (3.5 mm OD, E-value base), zirconia ceramic ferrules (1.25 mm and 2.5 mm OD), and custom-machined metal guide tubes. All models meet dimensional tolerances specified in ASTM F2129 for metallic medical device components and conform to ISO 13485 manufacturing controls. The polymer variant (68217) complies with USP Class VI biological safety testing requirements for short-term implant contact applications. Device traceability is maintained through laser-etched model identifiers and batch-coded packaging per FDA 21 CFR Part 820.

Software & Data Management

While these are purely mechanical positioning aids with no embedded electronics or firmware, they are fully compatible with digital stereotaxic workflows. When used in conjunction with RWD’s STO-1000 series digital stereotaxic apparatuses or third-party systems (e.g., David Kopf Instruments, Stoelting Co.), positional data from associated micromanipulators and coordinate mapping software (e.g., Paxinos & Watson atlas-integrated platforms) remains unaffected by holder-induced drift. Audit trails generated during surgical protocol documentation—including holder model selection, sterilization logs, and usage frequency—are retained within institutional LIMS or ELN systems per ALCOA+ principles.

Applications

• Precision-guided optogenetic fiber implantation in mouse/rat hippocampus, cortex, and thalamus
• Chronic multi-electrode array (MEA) or tetrode insertion with concurrent optical access
• Serial cannula replacement protocols requiring exact re-entry at prior coordinates
• In vivo calcium imaging probe stabilization during head-fixed behavioral assays
• Validation studies for novel ferrule bonding techniques under controlled mechanical load conditions

FAQ

Are these holders compatible with non-RWD stereotaxic frames?
Yes—any frame accepting an 8 mm vertical support rod and utilizing a V-groove or set-screw mounting interface can integrate these holders using Adapter 68207.
What sterilization methods are validated for each model?
Stainless steel models (68205, 68214, 68215) support steam autoclaving (121°C, 15 psi, 20 min), ethylene oxide, and hydrogen peroxide plasma. Polymer model 68217 is validated for ethylene oxide only.
Can the 68214 and 68215 holders be used interchangeably for different ferrule diameters?
No—each is dimensionally optimized for its specified outer diameter (1.25 mm or 2.5 mm); cross-use risks incomplete grip engagement or mechanical failure during extraction.
Is there documentation available for regulatory submissions?
Yes—technical files including dimensional drawings, material certifications (RoHS, REACH), biocompatibility reports, and sterilization validation summaries are available upon formal request to RWD’s Regulatory Affairs department.