SBIR-STTR Award

Under the proposed effort, the feasibility of an advanced implantable telemetry device for the chronic monitoring of blood pressure in transgenic mice and other comparably-sized rodents will be studied. The main focus of this effort will be the evaluation of technical approaches for miniaturizing transmitter components (i.e., catheter, pressure sensor, and transmitter electronics) and improving packaging efficiency by exploring advanced sealing techniques in order to meet performance and size requirements of a mouse-implantable device. During the project, bench testing of competing catheter designs will be conducted to determine dimensional and material requirements. Design of pressure sensor and transmitter electronics will be evaluated to determine their suitability for integration to reduce package size. New methods of sealing implant packages will also be investigated. The project will identify a cost- effective device design for mouse applications by building on the applicants 5 experience with comparable devices which are widely applied in laboratory rats. The newly developed device will have direct application in markets which are served by the applicant's current telemetry products.Proposed commercial application:The device will provide a reliable, cost- effective tool for widespread application in the pharmaceutical industry as a means of using sophisticated mouse models for evaluating new pharmaceuticals. It will also have commercial application in many other areas of biomedical research, where blood pressure measurements are required from laboratory animals; including pharmaceutical industries, academic institutions, and government labs world-wide, which are served by the applicants existing telemetry products.National Institute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Under the proposed effort, an implantable telemetry transmitter will be developed for the chronic monitoring of blood pressure, ECG, and temperature in mice and other comparably-sized rodents. The main focus of the project is the development of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for the transmitter electronics, with the capability of sensing multiple physiological signals, while achieving goals for size, weight, reliability, measurement stability, and operating lifetime. By incorporating an ASIC, the transmitter will be fully programmable in vivo, with operating modes and power-saving features that will permit its long- term use for multiply-housed animals. The project will also develop a small pressure sensing catheter, an improved packaging method, and a device to program the transmitter in vivo. Successful completion of the proposed research will result in an important tool for biomedical researchers involved in whole animal physiology. The conceptual design is an outgrowth of the applicant's existing base of telemetry products for laboratory animals. As a product, the telemetry system developed will be integrated into the applicant's existing distribution channels, which currently services 725 customers in 30 countries.Proposed commercial application:The device will provide a reliable, cost-effective tool for widespread application in the pharmaceutical industry as a means of using sophisticated mouse models for evaluating new pharmaceuticals. It will also have commercial application in other areas of biomedical research, which blood pressure measurements are required from laboratory animals, including pharmaceutical industries, academic institutions, and government labs world-wide.Thesaurus termsbiomedical equipment development, biosensor, blood pressure, electrocardiography, laboratory mouse, monitoring device, telemetry catheterization, implant, physiology, radiowave radiation, veterinary scienceNational Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)