Rodent Head Bar And Hat
Titanium head bar and protective hat system for secure head fixation in rodent neuroscience research, with customizable sizing and protection for implanted devices.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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The Rodent Head Bar and Hat system provides secure head fixation for neuroscience research applications requiring subject immobilization. The titanium head bar, available in mouse (20-40mm length) and rat (40-200mm length) configurations, attaches to the skull and interfaces with head fixation stations for precise experimental control. The protective head hat shields implanted devices including electrodes, cannulas, and optogenetic tools from damage during behavioral testing and physiological recording sessions.
Both components feature customizable sizing in 1mm increments to accommodate varied experimental requirements and implant configurations. The head hat incorporates a clip mechanism for secure attachment to the head bar and includes a transparent protective cap for visual monitoring of implanted hardware. Installation requires Optibond and cyanoacrylate adhesive along with dental cement for gap filling during surgical implantation procedures.
How It Works
The head fixation system operates through surgical implantation of the titanium head bar directly onto the skull surface using biocompatible adhesives and dental cement. The head bar provides a secure mounting point that interfaces with laboratory head fixation stations, preventing head movement during experimental procedures while allowing controlled body positioning.
The protective head hat clips onto the implanted head bar and forms a protective enclosure around chronically implanted devices. The transparent cap design allows visual inspection of implant integrity while shielding electrodes, cannulas, and optogenetic components from mechanical damage. The modular design permits easy removal and replacement of the protective cap for maintenance access to implanted hardware.
Titanium construction provides biocompatibility for chronic implantation while offering sufficient mechanical strength to withstand repeated fixation cycles. The customizable sizing ensures optimal fit across different skull dimensions and experimental configurations, minimizing tissue stress while maximizing fixation stability.
Features & Benefits
head_bar_variants
- Mouse Head Bar, Rat Head Bar
head_hat_sizes
- Two sizes available - compact version for smaller apparatus like cannula guides, and larger variant for enhanced protection of multiple probes
customizable_sizing
- Both head hat and head bar can be tailored in size
compatible_implants
- Electrodes, cannulas, optogenetic tools, multiple probes
attachment_mechanism
- Clip mechanism for head hat attachment to head bar
protective_features
- Transparent protective cap shields implanted devices
required_adhesives
- Optibond and cyanoacrylate adhesive for installation
cement_requirement
- Dental cement for gap filling during installation
Head Bar
- Mouse Head Bar
- Rat Head Bar
Behavioral Construct
- Head fixation
- Operant conditioning
- Sensory discrimination
- Motor reflexes
- Fear conditioning
Automation Level
- manual
Species
- Mouse
- Rat
Research Domain
- Addiction Research
- Anxiety and Depression
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Learning and Memory
- Motor Function
- Neuroscience
Weight
- 21.0 kg
Dimensions
- L: 43.2 mm
- W: 38.0 mm
- H: 27.9 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Construction | Medical-grade titanium | Some systems use stainless steel or aluminum alloys | Titanium provides superior biocompatibility and corrosion resistance for chronic implantation applications |
| Size Customization | 1mm increment sizing across full length range | Fixed sizes or larger increment steps | Precise fitting reduces tissue stress and improves fixation stability across diverse skull morphologies |
| Implant Protection | Integrated protective head hat with transparent cap | Separate or no protection for implanted devices | Combined system streamlines experimental workflow while preventing damage to expensive chronically implanted hardware |
| Species Coverage | Dedicated mouse (20-40mm) and rat (40-200mm) variants | Single size range or species-specific systems | Optimized dimensions for each species improve experimental outcomes and reduce cross-species protocol adaptation |
| Weight Profile | 1.1g for mouse variant | Varies by model and material choice | Lightweight design minimizes behavioral impact while maintaining structural integrity for reliable fixation |
This titanium head fixation system combines species-optimized sizing, integrated implant protection, and biocompatible construction in a complete solution for neuroscience research applications requiring reliable head restraint.
| Model | SKU | Listed price | Status | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rat Head Bar | ME-RHB-35102 | $250.00 | Available | 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm |
| Mouse Head Bar | ME-RHB-35101 | $200.00 | Available | 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm |
Practical Tips
Practice head bar placement on cadaveric specimens before live surgery to optimize positioning relative to planned electrode or cannula sites.
Why: Proper placement prevents interference with implant trajectories and ensures adequate clearance for experimental access
Clean head hat components with 70% ethanol between uses and inspect for cracks or wear in the clip mechanism.
Why: Regular inspection prevents component failure that could compromise implant protection during critical experiments
Verify head bar alignment with stereotaxic coordinates before final cement curing to ensure compatibility with atlas-based targeting.
Why: Misalignment can compromise accuracy of subsequent stereotaxic procedures and experimental reproducibility
Allow complete cyanoacrylate curing before applying dental cement to prevent heat generation that could damage surrounding tissue.
Why: Exothermic curing reactions can cause thermal injury and compromise the surgical site integrity
If the head hat clips do not engage properly, check for dental cement overflow that may be blocking the attachment mechanism.
Why: Cement debris can prevent secure attachment and compromise implant protection during behavioral sessions
Record head bar serial orientation and positioning coordinates in experimental logs for consistent reproduction across sessions.
Why: Standardized positioning improves experimental consistency and facilitates accurate data interpretation across recording sessions
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- 25 titanium head bars (specify size when ordering)
- Installation instructions (typical)
- Size specification chart (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides standard warranty coverage for manufacturing defects. Technical support is available for surgical implantation protocols and head fixation station compatibility.
Compliance
What is the recommended healing time between head bar implantation and first use?
Allow 5-7 days healing time following surgical implantation before initiating head fixation sessions, though exact timing should follow institutional veterinary guidelines.
Can the head hat accommodate multiple simultaneous implants?
Yes, the larger head hat variant is specifically designed for enhanced protection of multiple probes, while the compact version suits single cannula guides or smaller apparatus.
What adhesives are required for proper installation?
Installation requires Optibond primer, cyanoacrylate adhesive for primary attachment, and dental cement for gap filling around the head bar perimeter.
How do I select the appropriate head bar size?
Measure skull dimensions at the intended implantation site and select length within the available range (20-40mm for mice, 40-200mm for rats), with custom sizing available in 1mm increments.
Is the head hat reusable across different animals?
The head hat can be cleaned and reused, but ensure proper sterilization between animals according to institutional biosafety protocols.
What is the maximum weight load the head bar can support?
Consult product datasheet for specific load specifications, though the titanium construction supports typical chronically implanted devices including electrode arrays and cannula systems.
Can the system be used with existing head fixation stations?
The head bar is designed for compatibility with standard laboratory head fixation stations, though specific mounting interfaces should be verified with your equipment specifications.
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