Radiotelemetry allows for real-time remote monitoring of biological parameters in freely moving laboratory animals. The HD-X11 transmitter is a novel telemetry device that enables simultaneous collection of body temperature, activity, blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG), and other biopotentials in small animal models. Previously, researchers could only collect either blood pressure or ECG parameters; prioritizing the signal of most interest or increasing the number of animals on study to capture both signals at one time. This new device eliminates the need for separate animal groups for assorted measurements and allows for a more complete cardiovascular assessment. Evaluation of the transmitter from both surgical and data collection perspectives indicates that the HD-X11 transmitter can be a useful tool to researchers in a wide range of scientific and medical fields.

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Miniature telemetry devices have enabled smaller animals to be implanted for monitoring cardiovascular (CV) parameters. Advances in the derivation and screening of mouse models of CV disorders, including n‐ethyl‐n‐nitrosourea (ENU)‐induced single gene mutants, have enabled identification and isolation of key elements leading to human CV disease. This study demonstrates that telemetry is an accurate and effective method for assessing mouse mutants with aberrant electrocardiograms (ECG). A recently characterized ENU mutant with prolonged P‐R interval and long QT was instrumented with a new ETA‐F10 transmitter (DSI, St. Paul, MN); control animals (C57BL6/J) were also implanted. The transmitter is implanted via midline laparotomy and the ECG sensing leads are placed in a lead II configuration. Experimental and control groups were continuously monitored to obtain ECG, heart rate, temperature, and activity data. Results show that these data can be easily and accurately sampled in unrestrained mice and that strains carrying genetic mutations affecting CV function are readily distinguishable from control animals. This approach adds important in‐depth characterization of mouse CV disease models without complicating the interpretation of outcome with anesthesia or restraint. DSI provided lab space and monitoring equipment; JAX provided mice with support from NHLBI Program for Genomic Application HL66611.

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Collecting multiple, intra‐subject pressures provides a broader physiological picture for many research applications, while potentially reducing animal use. Research decisions often hinge on cardiovascular (CV) data that previously could only be obtained from a large animal model due to the lack of appropriate, fully implantable solutions enabling simultaneous measurement of multiple pressures in small animals. DSI has optimized possibilities for multi‐channel pressure evaluation by developing the dual pressure HD‐S21 transmitter. Emulating a study pioneered by MPI Research with two independent pressure transmitters, DSI conducted a follow‐up investigation to demonstrate the advantages obtained by using the HD‐S21. Two male CD® IGS rats were implanted with the HD‐S21 to monitor LVP, MAP, ECG and core temperature. iPRECIO® infusion pumps, also used in the MPI validation, delivered the same IV infusion program. While the initial (MPI) validation assessed verapamil and dobutamine infusion effects on temporally contiguous measures of LVP and MAP via independent devices, the HD‐S21 enabled simultaneous and continuous monitoring of all parameters from a single device. Together, the HD‐S21 and iPRECIO® provide pharmacology research the first fully implantable and easily validated small animal infusion model optimized to wirelessly record a comprehensive parameter battery with high sensitivity.