Stereotaxic Large animal locator
Precision stereotaxic instrument for large animal neurosurgery with 3D coordinate positioning, available in manual (100µm) or digital (10µm) resolution configurations with 1-4 manipulator arms.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Neuroscience · ConductScience
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The Stereotaxic Large Animal Locator is a precision neurosurgical instrument designed for targeted brain interventions in large animal models including primates, pigs, dogs, and other species. The system utilizes skull landmarks such as bregma as reference points to establish three-dimensional coordinates for accurate positioning of neural structures within the brain. Available in both manual (100µm resolution) and digital (10µm resolution) configurations with single, dual, three, or four manipulator arms to accommodate varying experimental requirements.
The instrument employs a dual-track rolling principle for Y-axis movement and features multi-dimensional position adjustment with synchronous forward/backward rolling structure. Head fixation is achieved through ear canal insertion, maxillary support, and eye socket compression mechanisms, providing stable positioning during procedures. The system supports integration with optogenetics, two-photon imaging, electrophysiology recording, and fiber optic systems for comprehensive neuroscience research applications.
How It Works
Stereotaxic surgery relies on a three-dimensional coordinate system that uses anatomical landmarks on the skull surface as reference points. The system establishes anterior-posterior, medial-lateral, and dorsal-ventral coordinates relative to bregma, the intersection of the sagittal and coronal sutures. Once the animal is secured in the head frame using ear bars and tooth bar positioning, the manipulator arms can be precisely positioned to target specific brain regions based on published stereotaxic atlases.
The dual-track rolling mechanism provides smooth Y-axis movement while the three-dimensional manipulator system allows independent control of X, Y, and Z coordinates. Digital models incorporate displacement sensors that provide 10µm resolution feedback, enabling highly precise positioning for microsurgical procedures. The screw rod advance/retreat mechanism ensures smooth, controlled movement of ear rods and positioning elements.
Multi-arm configurations enable simultaneous bilateral procedures or multiple electrode placements within a single surgical session. The system maintains rigid positioning throughout the procedure, critical for applications requiring sustained electrode contact or prolonged drug infusion protocols.
Features & Benefits
Animal size
- Large
- Big
Arm
- Single
- Two
- Three
- Four
Version
- Manual
- Digital
manipulator_arm_type
- Single arm
y_axis_movement
- Dual-track rolling principle
head_fixation_method
- Ear canal insertion, maxillary support and eye socket compression
ear_rod_mechanism
- Screw rod advance/retreat with smooth movement
position_adjustment
- Multi-dimensional with synchronous forward/backward rolling structure
displacement_sensor
- Y-axis manipulator with displacement sensing sensor
target_animal_size
- Large animals
coordinate_system
- Three-dimensional manipulator arm (X/Y/Z axes)
Automation Level
- manual
Accuracy
- 0.01MM (10µm)
- manual 0.1MM (100µm), digital 0.01MM (10µm)
Display Type
- Digital
Research Domain
- Addiction Research
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Learning and Memory
- Motor Function
- Neurodegeneration
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
Species
- Cat
- Dog
- Non-human Primate
- Pig
Weight
- 17.64 kg
Dimensions
- L: 30.0 mm
- W: 25.0 mm
- H: 25.0 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution Accuracy | Manual 100µm, Digital 10µm | Many systems offer only manual resolution around 100µm | Digital models provide ten-fold improvement in positioning precision for targeting small brain nuclei. |
| Arm Configuration Options | 1-4 manipulator arms available | Most systems limited to 1-2 arms | Multiple arm configurations enable complex multi-site procedures within single surgical sessions. |
| Y-axis Movement | Dual-track rolling principle | Single track or gear-driven mechanisms | Dual-track design provides smoother movement and reduced backlash for precise coordinate positioning. |
| Head Fixation Method | Ear canal insertion with maxillary and eye socket support | Three-point fixation ensures stable positioning without skull damage during lengthy procedures. | |
| Position Feedback | Displacement sensing sensors (digital models) | Manual readout systems only | Real-time position feedback enables precise coordinate tracking and reduces positioning errors. |
This stereotaxic system offers both manual and digital resolution options with multi-arm configurations for complex large animal neurosurgery. The dual-track Y-axis mechanism and displacement sensors in digital models provide enhanced positioning accuracy compared to basic manual systems.
Practical Tips
Verify coordinate accuracy using precision gauge blocks before each surgical session to ensure targeting precision meets experimental requirements.
Why: Mechanical wear and environmental factors can affect positioning accuracy over time.
Clean and lubricate all moving parts weekly, paying special attention to the dual-track rolling mechanism and screw rod assemblies.
Why: Proper maintenance prevents mechanical binding and preserves positioning accuracy.
Level the skull precisely between bregma and lambda before establishing zero coordinates to ensure accurate atlas-based targeting.
Why: Skull angle variations can introduce systematic errors in all coordinate calculations.
Always secure backup fixation points before releasing primary head restraints during long procedures.
Why: Animal movement during anesthesia adjustments can compromise coordinate accuracy and surgical safety.
Record all coordinate positions and verify final electrode/needle placement through post-procedure imaging when possible.
Why: Documentation enables procedure refinement and validates targeting accuracy for future experiments.
If experiencing coordinate drift, check for loose connections in the ear bar assembly and verify frame stability on the surgical table.
Why: Mechanical looseness in the fixation system is the most common cause of positioning errors during procedures.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Stereotaxic frame base unit
- Manipulator arm assemblies (quantity based on model)
- Ear bar positioning system
- Incisor bar assembly
- Digital display unit (D-series models)
- Calibration standards (typical)
- Allen wrench set (typical)
- Operating manual (typical)
- Coordinate reference guides (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support for setup, calibration, and troubleshooting procedures.
Compliance
What is the difference in targeting accuracy between manual and digital models?
Manual models provide 100µm (0.1mm) resolution while digital models achieve 10µm (0.01mm) precision through integrated displacement sensors and digital readouts.
Can the system accommodate different sized large animals?
Yes, the adjustable ear bar and head fixation mechanisms accommodate various large animal species including primates, pigs, dogs, and cats through range adjustments.
How many simultaneous electrode placements can be performed?
This depends on the model selected - single arm (1 placement), dual arm (2 placements), three arm (3 placements), or four arm (4 placements) configurations are available.
Is the system compatible with imaging-guided procedures?
Yes, the open frame design allows integration with two-photon microscopy, endogenous brain imaging systems, and other optical access requirements during procedures.
What maintenance is required for coordinate accuracy?
Regular calibration verification using precision standards, cleaning of mechanical components, and lubrication of moving parts according to the maintenance schedule.
Can bilateral procedures be performed simultaneously?
Yes, dual, three, or four arm models enable simultaneous bilateral targeting and can accommodate complex multi-site experimental designs.
What coordinate system does the instrument use?
The system uses standard stereotaxic coordinates with bregma as the reference point, compatible with published large animal brain atlases for target localization.
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