This automatic ventilator is essential for keeping the blood CO2 levels at physiological levels. There is growing evidence on the importance of controlling blood CO2 levels during anaesthesia, as changes in CO2 lead to alterations in cerebral blood flow (CBF). This is known as cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR). Hypoventilation and increased CO2 levels (leading to vasodilation and increased CBF) can significantly increase intracranial pressure (ICP). As our research is focussed on therapies to reduce the elevation of ICP post-stroke, it’s vital that we control the CO2 levels in our experimental models during surgical anaesthesia.
Stereotaxic head holding device, anaesthetic mask and base plate for models (Narishige Scientific Instrument Laboratory, Japan): to keep the model in the correct position for stereotaxic head surgery under anaesthesia. We’re requesting funds to purchase these to increase our research capacity. We’re limited by the number of head surgeries we can perform due to the limited number of stereotaxic frames we currently have. Only one functioning steel frame (also from Narishige) and a basic 3D printed plastic frame is available for experiments. Our other plastic frame was recently damaged beyond repair. The stereotaxic frame from Narishige is durable and would last more than 10 years compared to the plastic frames, which need replacing every couple of years.