How do I measure aortic pressure in a Langendorff Heart preparation?

'Perfusion pressure' and 'aortic pressure' are two terms used to describe one of the pressure parameters in a Langendorff Heart experiment.
 

Described below is a quick guide describing the technique used to measure the perfusion/aortic pressure using a pressure transducer.
 

Firstly, the perfusate in the perfusate reservoir is typically gassed with 95% O2 and 5% CO2 for at least 30 minutes. The perfusate then flows into the aorta of the heart via a 3-way tap via gravity feed or a pump. The catheter of the pressure transducer is also connected to the 3-way tap, which allows constant measurement of the perfusion/aortic pressure.  Typically this would be a fluid-filled pressure transducer such as the MLT844 connected to a Bridge Amplifier and PowerLab.

Please refer to the schematic diagram below.

NOTE: the second transducer (with a balloon catheter) on the right hand side of the diagram is inserted into the left ventricle of the heart to measure left ventricular pressure.

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