Method and apparatus for non-invasively detecting, measuring, and recording electrocardiograms in conscious animals

摘要

A novel method and apparatus for obtaining the electrocardiogram (ECG) in small conscious animals, such as mice, without the need to anesthetize or instrument the animal, are described. The apparatus includes an array of conductive pads, embedded in a platform, the pads sized and spaced to advance contact between an animal's paws and the pads as the animal freely moves upon the platform. Electrical circuitry to the pads is configured to sense the parings of pads and paws that render an interpretable ECG signal and to activate or deactivate recording of the signals. The apparatus is suspended above a surface to minimize the range of motion of the animal without physical restraint. The method and apparatus of the present invention are intended to replace the use of anesthetics or invasive procedures to obtain ECGs in mice, to limit the range of motion of mice without physical restraint or harnessing, and to advance a common level of animal activity for animal-to-animal comparisons of cardiovascular function.