Cardiovascular studies in mice require suitably
sized devices to insure successful procedures. Mouse anatomy and vessel size limitations can affect feasibility and accuracy for both blood flow measurement and
cannulation for pressure measurement.
To choose appropriate flowprobes and catheters,
careful measurement of the vessel diameter and length can be made with a calibrated microsurgical ruler. These measurements should be made under a microscope and after the
vessel recovers from dissection. Specific care should be taken working around veins as these vessels are particularly fragile. This table indicates some diameter and
length measurements of prominent vessels. Vessel dimensions may vary with weight and strain of mouse.
Weight: 30 - 50 grams (36 grams average)
Estimated total volume of blood in mouse: 5 ml
Guide to Vessel Sizes in the Mouse
