A novel device for in vitro isometric tension recordings of cylindrical artery segments

There are few instruments specifically designed to measure circumferential force generated by ring segments of arteries in vitro. Typical limitations of some existing machines include poor isometry, large organ bath volume or difficult sample mounting. The authors designed, built and tested a device for isometric tension recording of force developed by rings of arteries in vitro. It is suitable for assessment of arteries from 0.3 to 3 mm in diameter and allows measurements of forces in the range 0–20 g on eight rings simultaneously. The organ baths are independently regulated in temperature, stirred, disposable and have a minimum useable volume of only 1.2 mL.