The Langendorff Apparatus Unit is a self-contained and thermostatically controlled unit for the perfusion of small animal hearts. It contains two separate perfusate reservoirs that are constantly oxygenated and kept at a constant bath temperature. When used as part of the
Langendorff System, the solutions pass through tubes around the
Peristaltic Pump (regulated by the
STH Pump Controller) in order to pressurize them.
The pressurized perfusate fluids are subsequently warmed when they re-enter the bath unit in coiled tubes and feed into the heated junction block, from which the cannulated heart is attached. Perfusate is directed towards the junction block, however only one is used at a time to perfuse the heart with the other redirected via the 3-way valve back to the reservoir. This allows an easy change between the two reservoirs and prevents the formation of air bubbles or entry of air into the heart upon reservoir change. The heated junction block ensures the perfusate is maintained at a constant temperature prior to entering the heart.
The system is best suited for use with small animal hearts such as mouse, rat and guinea pig. For a complete research system visit our
Langendorff System page.
For isolated hearts using larger animals such rabbits we recommend the
Working Heart System for Rats/Rabbits.