Ambulatory ECG Recording in Mice

Summary

Telemetric ECG has emerged as an essential tool in evaluating animal models for cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Here, we present a stepwise guide to telemetric ECG recordings for application in long-term ambulatory ECG monitoring in mice.

Abstract

Telemetric ECG recording in mice is essential to understanding the mechanisms behind arrhythmias, conduction disorders, and sudden cardiac death. Although the surface ECG is utilized for short-term measurements of waveform intervals, it is not practical for long-term studies of heart rate variability or the capture of rare episodes of arrhythmias. Implantable ECG telemeters offer the advantages of simple surgical implantation, long-term recording of electrograms in ambulatory mice, and scalability with simultaneous recordings of multiple animals. Here, we present a step-by-step guide to the implantation of telemeters for ambulatory ECG recording in mice. Careful adherence to aseptic technique is required for favorable survival results with the possibility of implantation and recording from weeks to months. Thus, implantable ECG telemetry is a valuable tool for detection of critical information on cardiac electrophysiology in ambulatory animal models such as the mouse.

Protocol

1. Preparation of Telemeter for Surgical Implantation

1. Before inserting an ECG telemeter into the mouse, it is important to make sure the ECG telemeter is sterile and in good working order. New telemetry devices are typically provided in a sterile condition by the manufacturer. ECG telemeters can be reused provided the device is cleaned using Tergazyme 1% solution for at least 4 hours. You may rinse the telemeter with sterile water after cleaning with Tergazyme. Additionally, use Wavicide-01 disinfectant overnight to sterilize the ECG telemeter. Be sure to wash disinfectant off with sterile water 48 hours before implantation into mice. Store in a....

Discussion

The critical steps of this procedure are proper cleaning and preparation of the mouse prior to survival surgery. When a telemeter and the mouse operative site are properly cleaned, there is a much better post-surgical outcome. Additionally, close attention to lead placement reduces post-surgical skin erosion. Possible modifications to the technique include alternative configurations to evaluate lateral LV wall function (lead I configuration), or the use of the telemeter not only for ECG waveform analysis, but also for.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Steri 250 Bead Sterilizer	Inotech	IS-250
Blunt-Ended Scissors	Roboz Surgical Instruments Co.	RS-5980
Blunt-Ended Forceps (x2)	Roboz Surgical Instruments Co.	RS-5138
Veterinary Anesthesia Vaporizer	Surgivet	Isotec 4
T/Pump	Gaymar Industries	P/N11184-000
Propylene Blue Monofilament Suture	Ethicon Inc.	8718
Povodone Iodine, 10%	Equate	N/A
Alcohol Swabs	PDI	B339
Tergazyme	Alconox, Inc.	21837-118
Wavidicde-01	Medical Chemical Corporation	Wavicide-01
ECG Telemeter	DataSciences International	EA-F20