Ventilator (Small/Medium)
Mechanical ventilator for laboratory animals from mice to 5 kg mammals, featuring dual pistons for tidal volumes 0.5-30 cc and adjustable respiratory rates 18-150 BPM with PEEP control.
| Automation Level | manual |
| Species | Hamster, Rabbit, Mouse, Rat, Guinea pig |
The Small/Medium Ventilator provides precise respiratory support for laboratory animals ranging from small mice to medium-sized mammals up to 5 kg. This mechanical ventilation system delivers controlled tidal volumes and respiratory rates for anesthesia maintenance, surgical procedures, and experimental protocols requiring respiratory assistance. Two interchangeable pistons accommodate different animal sizes: a small piston for tidal volumes of 0.5-5 cc in 0.5 cc increments, and a large piston for 3-30 cc in 3 cc increments.
The ventilator features adjustable respiratory rates from 18-150 breaths per minute and controllable Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) to maintain alveolar recruitment and optimize gas exchange. The dual-piston design allows researchers to switch between small rodents and larger laboratory species without requiring separate equipment, streamlining multi-species research protocols.
How It Works
The ventilator operates through positive pressure ventilation, using a piston-driven mechanism to deliver controlled volumes of air or anesthetic gas mixture to the animal's lungs. The system generates inspiratory pressure by advancing the selected piston (small or large) into the cylinder chamber, displacing a predetermined tidal volume through the breathing circuit to the animal.
Respiratory rate control is achieved through precise timing of the piston cycle, with adjustable settings from 18-150 breaths per minute to accommodate species-specific physiological requirements. The PEEP mechanism maintains positive pressure at the end of expiration by controlling the expiratory valve, preventing alveolar collapse and maintaining functional residual capacity during mechanical ventilation.
The dual-piston design allows volume selection based on animal size: the small piston delivers 0.5-5 cc volumes suitable for mice and small rodents, while the large piston provides 3-30 cc volumes appropriate for rats, rabbits, and medium mammals up to 5 kg body weight.
Features & Benefits
Automation Level
- manual
Size
- Mouse
Research Domain
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Cancer Research
- Cardiovascular
- Metabolic Research
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Species
- Hamster
- Rabbit
- Mouse
- Rat
- Guinea pig
Weight
- 11.02 kg
Dimensions
- L: 98.43 mm
- W: 36.0 mm
- H: 27.0 mm
Comparison Guide
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume Range Coverage | 0.5-30 cc with dual piston system | Single volume range requiring multiple units | One ventilator covers mice through medium mammals, reducing equipment inventory and costs |
| Volume Adjustment Increments | 0.5 cc (small) and 3 cc (large) increments | Fixed increments often too large for precise small animal dosing | Fine volume control enables precise tidal volume matching to animal physiology |
| Respiratory Rate Range | 18-150 breaths per minute | Narrower ranges typically 20-80 BPM | Accommodates species from slow-breathing rabbits to rapid-breathing mice in one unit |
| PEEP Control | Controllable positive end expiratory pressure | Entry-level models often lack PEEP capability | Maintains lung recruitment during prolonged procedures and high oxygen delivery |
This ventilator offers comprehensive volume range coverage with precision incremental control and species-appropriate respiratory rate flexibility. The dual-piston design and PEEP capability provide research-grade ventilation support across multiple animal models.
Practical Tips
Verify tidal volume delivery using a spirometer monthly and after piston changes to ensure accuracy.
Why: Volume drift can affect experimental reproducibility and animal safety during prolonged procedures.
Inspect piston seals weekly for wear or damage that could cause volume leaks.
Why: Compromised seals reduce delivered volume and affect ventilation efficacy.
Start with conservative tidal volumes (10 ml/kg) and increase gradually while monitoring chest rise.
Why: Prevents barotrauma while ensuring adequate ventilation for the specific animal and procedure.
If chest movement appears inadequate, check for breathing circuit leaks before increasing tidal volume.
Why: System leaks are a common cause of apparent under-ventilation and should be corrected first.
Record actual ventilator settings used rather than target settings for accurate experimental documentation.
Why: Ensures reproducibility and allows proper interpretation of physiological data collected during ventilation.
Always have backup manual ventilation (Ambu bag) available during mechanical ventilation procedures.
Why: Equipment failure during critical procedures requires immediate backup ventilation to prevent hypoxia.
Allow 2-3 minutes after parameter changes before assessing adequacy of ventilation.
Why: Respiratory and cardiovascular systems require time to equilibrate to new ventilation patterns.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Ventilator main unit (typical)
- Small piston assembly (0.5-5 cc)
- Large piston assembly (3-30 cc)
- Breathing circuit tubing (typical)
- User manual (typical)
- Power cord (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support for setup and operation guidance.
Compliance
How do I determine the appropriate tidal volume for different species?
Use 10-15 ml/kg body weight as a starting point: small piston (0.5-5 cc) for mice and small rodents, large piston (3-30 cc) for rats, rabbits, and animals up to 5 kg. Adjust based on chest movement observation and physiological monitoring.
What respiratory rates should I use for different laboratory animals?
Start with species-appropriate rates: mice 100-150 BPM, rats 70-110 BPM, rabbits 30-60 BPM. The ventilator's 18-150 BPM range accommodates all common laboratory species with real-time adjustment capability.
When should I use PEEP and at what settings?
Apply PEEP (2-5 cmH2O) during prolonged procedures to prevent alveolar collapse, especially in animals with compromised lung function or when using high inspired oxygen concentrations. Monitor for cardiovascular effects.
How do I switch between the small and large pistons?
The piston assembly can be exchanged by removing the existing piston and installing the appropriate size for your animal. Ensure proper sealing and test function before connecting to the animal.
Can this ventilator be used with anesthetic gas delivery systems?
Yes, the breathing circuit can be integrated with anesthesia machines for delivery of volatile anesthetics. Ensure compatibility of tubing connections and monitor anesthetic depth appropriately.
How do I verify the ventilator is delivering accurate volumes?
Perform regular volume checks using a calibrated spirometer or volume meter connected to the breathing circuit. Verify both piston settings deliver expected tidal volumes within specifications.
What maintenance is required for consistent performance?
Clean breathing circuits after each use, inspect piston seals regularly for wear, and calibrate volume delivery monthly or after any repairs. Replace tubing and filters according to usage protocols.
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Accessories
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