Micro-fluid exchange coupling apparatus

Abstract

In a micro-fluid exchange apparatus for exchanging fluid with an organ, such as the trachea or a blood vessel of a small animal, such as a rat or a mouse, a hollow needle, such as a syringe needle, is provided for penetrating the fluid conduit of the animal. The syringe needle is coupled to a plenum chamber having an inlet and outlet port. The plenum chamber is coupled to the syringe needle via the intermediary of a standard quick disconnect coupling fitting. The plenum chamber is carried at the end of a drive rod which is coupled to a micrometer drive head. The micrometer drive head is slidably and pivotably coupled to a pedestal for adjusting the height and angle of inclination of the needle relative to a reference base support. The needle is positioned adjacent to the incised trachea or a blood vessel of a small animal and the micrometer drive head is operated for penetrating the fluid conduit of the animal. In the case of a micro-respirator, an oxygen respirator pump is coupled in gaseous communication with the input and output ports of the plenum chamber for supplying oxygen and withdrawing exhaled gas from the small animal.