Respiratory face mask: a novel and cost-effective device for use during the application of myocardial ischemia in rats.

To shorten operation time and improve survival rate of rats with myocardial ischemia or myocardial infarction, we use a novel device comprised of a face mask and a head/neck retainer in this study. We report the basic design of the novel respiratory face mask (RFM) and evaluate its performance in a rat model of myocardial ischemia. The device is cost-effective and easier to handle than other devices, such as tracheal intubation. Compared with conventional tracheal intubation, we found that RFM shortens operation time significantly while keeping blood indices normal; the mean operation time for rats in the mask group was (32+/-3) min, and that for the intubation group was (45+/-7) min (P<0.05). Moreover, the size and shape of the RFM can be changed according to the body weight of rats. In conclusion, RFM is an appropriate device for the establishment of myocardial infarction or ischemia-reperfusion in rats.