The Need

Small animals may require surgery or imaging for research purposes. A major barrier to ocular surgery in many species, especially birds, is that the conventional operating surfaces do not provide adequate support for the position of the head and delivery of gas anesthetic.

The Technology

The small animal laboratory ophthalmic operating table (SALOOT) consists of an easily disinfected plastic bed in a shape that accommodates small animals that are in the early stages of life. The body of the small animal fits into a depression molded into the bed while the head is well-positioned by an elevated support area at the edge of the bed that leads to an adjustable nosecone to deliver gas anesthesia.

Commercialization

• veterinary hospital
• research labs

Advantages/Benefits

• reduces fume exposure to the laboratory staff
• head positioning allows less pressure placed on it
• head position remains stable during imaging improving the speed

Pending patent application