Rodent Head-Fixation System
Precision head-fixation system for mice with 6mm skull window access, enabling stable neurophysiological recordings and behavioral assessments with minimal motion artifacts.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Mouse
- SKU family
- ME-RHF-35103/35104
- Sizing
- 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Neuroscience & Surgery
- Build notes
- Aluminum (default)
The Rodent Head-Fixation System provides stable immobilization of mouse subjects during neurophysiological recordings and behavioral assessments. This precision-engineered restraint system features an aluminum head plate with a 6 mm x 6 mm skull access window, enabling optical imaging and electrophysiological recordings while minimizing motion artifacts. The system integrates a metal restrainer platform with removable lid and thumbscrew mechanisms for controlled subject positioning.
The restraint assembly positions the head bar 30mm above the body tube, providing optimal access for recording equipment while maintaining subject comfort. The acrylic and stainless steel construction ensures durability and easy cleaning between experimental sessions. This system is essential for calcium imaging studies, two-photon microscopy, and behavioral training protocols requiring precise head positioning.
How It Works
The head-fixation system operates through mechanical restraint of the mouse head via a surgically implanted aluminum head plate. The head plate, measuring 15.8mm L x 24mm W with a central 6mm x 6mm skull window, is secured to the skull using M2.5 cross countersunk screws during an initial surgical procedure. This creates a permanent attachment point for repeated experimental sessions.
During experiments, the implanted head plate clamps into the restraint apparatus, positioning the skull window 30mm above the body restraint tube. The body restrainer features a removable acrylic lid secured with thumbscrews, allowing controlled positioning of the subject while providing access to the skull through the window. This configuration eliminates head movement artifacts that would otherwise compromise optical recordings or electrode placement accuracy.
The restraint system maintains physiological positioning while preventing gross body movements that could disrupt delicate recording equipment. The skull window provides direct access to brain tissue for imaging modalities or electrode insertion, while the stable platform enables consistent positioning across multiple experimental sessions.
Features & Benefits
skull_window_size
- 6 mm x 6 mm
screw_type
- M2.5 cross countersunk screws
head_bar_height_above_body_tube
- 30mm
restrainer_features
- Removable lid, thumbscrews for capture and release
headplate_material
- Aluminum (default)
platform_material
- Metal restrainer platform
Behavioral Construct
- Motor Control
- Spatial Learning
- Reward Processing
- Attention
- Decision Making
Automation Level
- manual
Material
- Acrylic
- Aluminum
- Metal
- Stainless Steel
Research Domain
- Addiction Research
- Anxiety and Depression
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Learning and Memory
- Motor Function
- Neuroscience
Species
- Mouse
Configuration
- Standard
- With Adjustable Platform
Weight
- 21.0 kg
Dimensions
- L: 43.2 mm
- W: 38.0 mm
- H: 27.9 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skull Window Access | 6mm x 6mm customizable window | Fixed 3-4mm windows in standard systems | Larger access area enables multi-site recordings or wider field-of-view imaging within single sessions. |
| Head Bar Height | 30mm elevation above body tube | Lower clearance heights around 15-20mm | Improved working distance accommodates high-numerical-aperture objectives and complex manipulator geometries. |
| Body Restraint Design | Removable lid with thumbscrew access | Fixed-tube or sliding-door mechanisms | Rapid subject loading reduces handling stress and enables quick positioning adjustments during experiments. |
| Head Plate Material | Aluminum construction | Titanium or stainless steel plates | Lightweight material reduces chronic implant burden while maintaining structural strength for secure attachment. |
| Mounting Hardware | M2.5 cross countersunk screws | Varies by model | Flush screw mounting prevents interference with recording equipment positioning and reduces profile height. |
| Platform Construction | Metal restrainer platform with multiple materials | Single-material construction systems | Material optimization balances rigidity, biocompatibility, and ease of cleaning across different system components. |
This head-fixation system combines precise mechanical positioning with user-friendly operation through its removable lid design and customizable head plate specifications. The 30mm working height and 6mm skull window provide excellent equipment access for advanced neurophysiology applications.
| Model | SKU | Listed price | Status | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Adjustable Platform | ME-RHF-35104 | $1,490.00 | Available | 102 x 34 x 38.5 cm |
| Standard | ME-RHF-35103 | $990.00 | Available | 102 x 34 x 38.5 cm |
Practical Tips
Implement gradual habituation training over 3-5 sessions with progressively longer restraint durations before data collection.
Why: Reduces stress-related physiological responses that could confound experimental measurements.
Inspect thumbscrew threads and head plate clamp mechanism weekly for wear or debris accumulation.
Why: Mechanical wear can compromise restraint security and introduce unwanted movement artifacts.
Verify skull window alignment with recording equipment focal plane before each experimental series.
Why: Small positioning errors accumulate across sessions and can limit data quality or equipment accessibility.
Monitor respiratory rate and general alertness throughout restraint sessions, establishing clear endpoints for session termination.
Why: Early detection of physiological stress ensures animal welfare compliance and data validity.
Allow 10-15 minutes post-restraint stabilization before beginning recordings to eliminate handling-induced artifacts.
Why: Initial stress responses can persist and influence neural activity patterns during early recording periods.
If head plate loosening occurs, check screw torque and consider dental acrylic reinforcement around implant sites.
Why: Chronic implant stability is essential for repeated experimental access and consistent positioning.
Maintain consistent ambient temperature and lighting conditions during restraint sessions.
Why: Environmental variables influence physiological state and can introduce systematic bias in neural recordings.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Head-fixation restrainer platform (metal)
- Removable body restraint lid (acrylic)
- Default aluminum head plate (15.8mm x 24mm with 6mm x 6mm window)
- M2.5 cross countersunk mounting screws
- Thumbscrew hardware for lid securing
- Assembly hardware and mounting brackets
- User manual with surgical implantation protocol (typical)
- Maintenance and cleaning instructions (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, along with technical support for setup and troubleshooting assistance.
Compliance
What is the recommended surgery recovery time before beginning head-fixation experiments?
Allow 7-10 days post-implantation for tissue healing and inflammation resolution before initial restraint sessions, with gradual habituation training over 3-5 sessions.
How long can mice be safely restrained in this system during experimental sessions?
Typical sessions range 30-90 minutes depending on experimental requirements, with careful monitoring for stress indicators and adequate hydration protocols.
Can the skull window size be modified for larger craniotomies?
Yes, head plates are customizable upon request to accommodate different window dimensions or multiple smaller access ports based on experimental needs.
What cleaning protocols are recommended between subjects?
Clean all contact surfaces with 70% ethanol followed by sterile saline rinse, ensuring complete drying before next use to prevent contamination.
Is this system compatible with electrophysiology recording equipment?
Yes, the 30mm head bar height and open skull window design provide adequate clearance for micromanipulators and electrode positioning systems.
How does this compare to alternative restraint methods for imaging studies?
Provides superior stability compared to anesthesia-based immobilization while enabling awake behavioral paradigms impossible with sedated preparations.
What materials are safe for chronic head plate implantation?
The aluminum head plate material is biocompatible for chronic implantation, with stainless steel screws providing secure long-term attachment without tissue reaction.
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