Stereotaxic Surgery Kit

Name: Stereotaxic Surgery Kit
Brand: ConductScience
SKU: RWD-SP0005-M/SP0005-R
Availability: InStock

$693.00

Comprehensive 12-piece surgical instrument kit designed for stereotaxic neurosurgery procedures in mice and rats, including precision forceps, scissors, and needle holders.

Species

Key Specifications

Automation Level	manual
Brand	RWD
Compatible Species	Mouse, Rat

SKU: RWD-SP0005-M/SP0005-R

Categories: Surgical Instruments

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The Stereotaxic Surgery Kit provides a comprehensive collection of precision surgical instruments designed for stereotaxic neurosurgical procedures in laboratory mice and rats. This kit contains 12 specialized instruments including fine dissection forceps, IRIS scissors, mosquito forceps, needle holders, and micro spatulas, all manufactured to exacting standards for precise tissue manipulation during brain microinjection and electrode implantation procedures.

Each instrument in the kit serves a specific function in stereotaxic workflows, from initial skin incision and tissue dissection to vessel clamping and suture placement. The surgical tools feature stainless steel construction with fine tips and cutting edges optimized for small animal neurosurgery, enabling researchers to perform consistent, accurate procedures while minimizing tissue trauma. The kit supports experimental protocols requiring precise positioning of needles, electrodes, or cannulae at pre-defined brain coordinates.

How It Works

Stereotaxic neurosurgery relies on a three-dimensional coordinate system referenced to anatomical landmarks, typically bregma, to achieve precise targeting of brain structures. The surgical procedure involves securing the anesthetized animal in a stereotaxic frame, making calculated measurements from reference points, and using specialized microsurgical instruments to access target regions with sub-millimeter accuracy.

The instruments in this kit serve specific functions during the surgical procedure: scalpel handles with ruler markings enable precise incisions and measurements, fine-tip forceps provide delicate tissue manipulation without crushing, specialized scissors create clean cuts through scalp and dura, and mosquito forceps control hemostasis. The dual-end micro spatula facilitates tissue retraction and positioning during deep brain access.

Successful stereotaxic procedures require careful coordination of anatomical knowledge, precise instrumentation, and sterile technique to minimize tissue trauma while achieving accurate targeting of neural structures for experimental manipulation or recording.

Features & Benefits

Graduated scalpel handle with ruler markings

Enables precise measurement and incision placement during stereotaxic procedures without additional measuring tools

Multiple fine-tip forceps configurations

Provides both straight and curved options for optimal tissue manipulation and access in confined surgical spaces

Dual-size IRIS scissors (9.5cm and 10.5cm)

Accommodates different surgical approaches and tissue thicknesses with appropriately sized cutting instruments

HARTMAN mosquito forceps with varied tip designs

Delivers precise hemostatic control during surgery while minimizing tissue trauma and blood loss

OLSEN-HEGAR needle holder with integrated scissors

Combines suturing capability with cutting function in a single instrument, reducing instrument changes during closure

Dual-end micro spatula with specific tip dimensions

Facilitates delicate tissue retraction and positioning during deep brain access procedures

Surgical-grade stainless steel construction

Ensures instrument longevity, maintains sharp edges, and withstands repeated sterilization cycles

Comprehensive 12-piece instrument set

Provides complete surgical toolkit without need for additional instrument procurement for most stereotaxic procedures

Surgical Technique

Stereotaxic neurosurgery

purpose

Engraft needle or electrode at pre-defined brain location

Automation Level

manual

Research Domain

Addiction Research
Behavioral Pharmacology
Learning and Memory
Neurodegeneration
Neuroscience
Pain Research

Brand

Weight

4.41 lbs

Dimensions

34.0 × 39.0 × 33.0 cm

Product Highlights

Feature	This Product	Category Context
Instrument Count	12-piece comprehensive set	Basic kits often provide 6-8 essential instruments
Scalpel Handle Design	Graduated handle with ruler markings	Standard handles without measurement capability
Forceps Variety	Multiple configurations including straight and curved tips	Limited to single forceps type per kit
Scissors Size Options	Dual-size IRIS scissors (9.5cm and 10.5cm)	Single scissors size in most kits
Specialty Tools	Dual-end micro spatula and needle holder with integrated scissors	Basic kits may lack specialized microsurgical tools
Blade Supply	100-piece #11 blade box included	Limited blade quantity or separate purchase required

This kit offers a comprehensive instrument selection with specialized features like graduated scalpel handles and dual-size scissors that support precise stereotaxic procedures. The 12-piece set with included blade supply provides complete surgical toolkit functionality in a single procurement.

Applications & Use Cases

Neuroscience

Implanting microelectrodes or recording arrays at precise stereotaxic coordinates for electrophysiological recordings and neural stimulation experiments.

Behavioral Pharmacology

Installing intracranial cannulas for drug microinjection studies targeting specific brain nuclei to investigate pharmacological effects on behavior.

Learning and Memory

Creating discrete brain lesions in hippocampal or cortical regions to examine cognitive function and memory formation mechanisms.

Neurodegeneration

Delivering viral vectors or toxic agents to induce localized neurodegeneration models for studying disease progression and therapeutic interventions.

Addiction Research

Performing stereotaxic surgeries to target reward pathways and install devices for optogenetic manipulation of addiction-related neural circuits.

Pain Research

Accessing spinal cord and brainstem regions for electrode placement or tracer injection to map pain processing pathways.

Practical Tips

Best Practices

Organize instruments in order of use on sterile tray before beginning surgery to maintain efficient workflow and sterile field.

Reduces surgery time and minimizes contamination risk during instrument retrieval.

Maintenance

Clean instruments immediately after use with enzymatic detergent to prevent blood and tissue adhesion.

Maintains instrument function and prevents corrosion that can compromise surgical precision.

Safety

Use needle holders when manipulating sharp instruments and dispose of used scalpel blades in appropriate sharps containers.

Prevents accidental injury and ensures proper biological waste disposal compliance.

Best Practices

Select straight forceps for surface work and curved forceps for deep tissue access based on surgical approach angle.

Optimizes instrument ergonomics and reduces tissue trauma during manipulation.

Maintenance

Inspect instrument tips regularly for damage or dulling and replace when sharpness decreases.

Maintains surgical precision and prevents excessive tissue trauma from damaged instruments.

Calibration

Verify scalpel handle ruler markings against known standards before critical measurement applications.

Ensures measurement accuracy for precise stereotaxic coordinate verification.

Troubleshooting

If mosquito forceps lose hemostatic grip, check for blood buildup on serrated surfaces and clean thoroughly.

Maintains effective bleeding control during surgery and prevents incomplete hemostasis.

Data Quality

Document instrument condition and any replacements in surgical logs to maintain experimental consistency.

Enables identification of potential variables affecting surgical outcomes across experimental groups.

Setup & Operation Guide

Instrument Preparation

Remove all instruments from packaging and inspect for damage. Sterilize instruments using appropriate autoclave or chemical sterilization protocols before first use.
Scalpel Assembly

Mount #11 scalpel blades onto the graduated scalpel handle, ensuring secure attachment. The ruler markings on the handle enable precise measurement during incisions.
Workspace Organization

Arrange instruments on sterile surgical tray in order of use. Position fine instruments within easy reach while maintaining sterile field throughout procedure.
Animal Positioning

Secure anesthetized animal in stereotaxic frame and establish bregma reference point. Use graduated scalpel handle to measure and mark incision locations based on target coordinates.
Surgical Access

Make initial scalp incision with scalpel, then use fine scissors and forceps to expose skull surface. Control bleeding with mosquito forceps as needed.
Deep Tissue Work

Utilize needle holders and micro spatula for precise manipulation during electrode or cannula implantation. The dual-ended spatula enables careful tissue retraction.
Post-Procedure Care

Clean instruments immediately after use and sterilize between animals. Store instruments in protective case to maintain sharp edges and prevent damage.

What's in the Box

Scalpel handle with ruler markings (12.5cm)
#11 Scalpel blades (box of 100)
IRIS fine scissors - round type (10.5cm)
IRIS fine scissors - round type (9.5cm)
Operating scissors - round type (10.5cm)
IRIS dissecting forceps - straight (10cm) - 2 pieces
IRIS dissecting forceps - curved (10cm) - 2 pieces
HARTMAN mosquito forceps - straight (10.5cm) - 2 pieces
HARTMAN mosquito forceps - curved (10cm)
OLSEN-HEGAR needle holder with scissors (12cm)
Dual-end micro spatula (11cm)
Protective storage case (typical)

Warranty & Support

ConductScience provides a one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support available for proper instrument care and maintenance protocols.

Compliance & Standards

ISO 13485 Supports quality management systems commonly implemented in facilities manufacturing medical devices and surgical instruments

IACUC Guidelines Used in research facilities subject to Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee oversight for vertebrate animal research

USDA Animal Welfare Act Supports surgical procedures conducted under regulatory frameworks governing laboratory animal care and use

Background Reading

The following papers provide general scientific background on measurement techniques relevant to this product category. They are not validation studies of this specific instrument.

[1] Guo et al. (2024). Modified stereotactic neurosurgery techniques for rodent surgery enhance survival and reduce surgery time in a severe traumatic brain injury model. Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-05328-y

[2] Pasquini et al. (2023). Refining Stereotaxic Neurosurgery Techniques and Welfare Assessment for Long-Term Intracerebroventricular Device Implantation in Rodents. Animals. DOI: 10.3390/ani13162627

[3] Sorge et al. (2023). Where do you measure the Bregma for rodent stereotaxic surgery?. Brain Research Bulletin. DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110606

[4] Pinto et al. (2023). A neuroscientist's guide to using murine brain atlases for efficient analysis and transparent reporting. Frontiers in Neuroinformatics. DOI: 10.3389/fninf.2023.1154080

[5] Buch et al. (2016). Image-based in vivo assessment of targeting accuracy of stereotactic brain surgery in experimental rodent models. Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/srep38058

What sterilization methods are compatible with these instruments?

The surgical-grade stainless steel construction allows for autoclave sterilization, chemical sterilization, or ethylene oxide sterilization. Autoclave at 121°C for 15 minutes or follow institutional protocols for chemical sterilants.

Are the forceps tips suitable for handling delicate neural tissue?

Yes, the IRIS dissecting forceps feature 1mm tip width with 13.5-14mm teeth length designed for precise tissue manipulation without crushing. The fine-tip design minimizes tissue trauma during neural structure handling.

How precise are the ruler markings on the scalpel handle?

The graduated scalpel handle provides measurement capability for stereotaxic coordinate verification, though specific graduation intervals should be confirmed with product datasheet. Use in conjunction with stereotaxic frame measurements for optimal accuracy.

Can these instruments accommodate both mouse and rat surgeries?

Yes, the instrument sizes are appropriate for both species. The 9.5-10.5cm length range and fine tip dimensions work effectively for the anatomical scale differences between mouse and rat stereotaxic procedures.

What is the expected lifespan of the scalpel blades?

Each #11 blade should be replaced after each animal or when sharpness degrades. The 100-blade supply supports multiple experimental cohorts, though blade longevity depends on tissue type and surgical technique.

Are replacement parts available for individual instruments?

Individual instruments can typically be replaced through ConductScience, though specific replacement part availability should be confirmed. The modular kit design allows for selective instrument replacement as needed.

How does this compare to purchasing instruments individually?

The kit provides a complete stereotaxic surgery toolkit at a bundled price point, ensuring instrument compatibility and eliminating the need to source individual tools from multiple suppliers.

What maintenance is required between procedures?

Clean instruments immediately after use with appropriate detergents, inspect for damage or dulling, and sterilize between animals. Store in protective case to prevent damage and maintain instrument sharpness.