Design and implementation of a low-power implantable cardiac monitoring device

The conductance catheter technique is commonly used in research to assess cardiac hemodynamics through measurement of ventricular pressure and volume. In order to perform chronic cardiac studies in murine rodents, a small low-power device capable of performing these measurements is necessary. This thesis presents the design, implementation, and test of such a device, coupled with a radio that allows for the telemetry to be transmitted to a base station. Multiple low-power design techniques were employed in this device, which is surgically embedded in the animal. The total mass of the device with battery is 4 grams, and the device volume is 10cm3. Results show that it is capable of periodic monitoring of pressure volume loops for up to 60 days on a single charge.