Location: Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Ospedale San Cataldo – CNR
Lab head: Prof. Claudio Passino
Contact: claudio.passino@santannapisa.it
Lab Team
Claudio Passino
Professore Ordinario
Health Science Interdisciplinary Center
Alberto Giannoni
Professore Associato
Health Science Interdisciplinary Center
Paolo Sciarrone
Allievo Perfezionando
Health Science Interdisciplinary Center
Francesco Gentile
Allievo Perfezionando
Health Science Interdisciplinary Center
Alessandro Navari
Ingegnere Biomedico
Fondazione Monasterio
Giacomo D’Alesio
Allievo Perfezionando
Istituto di Biorobotica
Lab Mission
The mission of the PHYSIO and SLEEP Lab is to advance the understanding of the central integration of cardiovascular and respiratory afferents, with a special emphasis on studying visceral reflexes and the central control of respiration and the cardiovascular system during sleep. Our laboratory is designed for recording and analyzing various physiological signals, focusing on human subjects to explore the intricate mechanisms of cardiovascular and respiratory regulation under different conditions. Our mission is to better understand how these systems interact, develop early detection tools for related diseases, and ultimately enhance patient care through advanced scientific research.
Devices
Multiparametric acquisition system – PowerLab
The PowerLab 16/35 is a data acquisition and analysis system for use in life science research. It provides the core elements required to get started with a Microneurography study for Human Autonomic research. This system provides all the essential microneurography amplifiers and equipment for the recording and analysis of spikes from peripheral nerves (such as MSNA) and continuous non-invasive blood pressure waveforms and electrical nerve stimulation in human subjects. In addition to the PowerLab 16/35, we have four accessory modules that can be connected to the system. These allow us to record Finger Pressure using the Human NIBP, obtain an ECG lead via the BioAmp, capture the MSNA (muscle sympathetic nerve activity) signal with the NeuroAmp EX [amplifier], and also provide stimulation, thanks to the Stimulus Isolator. By default, some input channels are connected that we will find on LabChart according to the following scheme:
- Ch1: NeuroAmp EX: measure nerve activity using the microneurography technique with the Neuro Amp EX in combination with a PowerLab system. It is a low noise, high gain neural amplifier that is fully isolated and suitable for both animal and human use. It also provides audio output to listen to neurological signals;
- Ch2: Bio Amp: examine ECG and other similar fuctions (HRV);
- Ch3: Human NIBP: stream data directly into LabChart for easy analysis of continuous blood pressure signals from an adult human via non-invasive finger cuff system;
- Ch4: chest belt;
- Ch5: spirometry flow: connected to the spirometer;
- Ch6: etCO2: connected to the spirometer;
- Ch7: SpO2: connected to the spirometer;
- Ch8: FiO2 : connected to the spirometer.
Data sheet: download
Note: Contact Alessandro Navari for interest in using the instrument.
Quark PFT
The Quark spirometer is a modular and compact system for pulmonary function tests that provides accurate, repeatable, and cost-effective testing. Specifically, in our laboratory, it is used for gas calibration and for recording CO2 and O2 exhaled by the patient. It is particularly useful for calculating respiratory rate and, especially, during the evaluation of the chemoreflex. The analog signal enters the PowerLab system, is then converted to digital format so that the acquired signals can be viewed on LabChart.
Data sheet: download
Note: This device is NOT suitable for use in the presence of flammable anesthetic gases or any gases other than O2, CO2, N2, and water vapor. Contact Alessandro Navari for interest in using the instrument.
EMS-9D PRO Doppler transcranico
LThe DELICA EMS9-9D-PRO is an all-in-one Transcranial Doppler and Blood Pressure Transcranial Doppler capable of providing CBFv and BP information in a single solution. The USB plug-and-play high-quality digital box allows the use in a wide range of clinical applications ranging from diagnostic (such as pressure detection in intracranial and extracranial vessels, brain death assessment, detection of vasospasm and embolus, and diagnosis of intracranial stenosis and occlusion) to monitoring needs (cerebral blood status monitoring, Embolus detection, PFO test and IOM in neurosurgery).
Data sheet: download
Note: purchased, not yet in Lab.
Biopac MP160
The MP160 data acquisition and analysis systems provide a powerful and flexible tool for life science research. This system are capable of capturing cardiorespiratory signals, such as ECG, ventilation, and respiratory gases, within an MRI environment. Additionally, they support the recording of microneurographic signals—specifically muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and vagal nerve activity (VNA)—during functional MRI (fMRI) studies. The Biopac MP160 is a fully MRI-compatible system designed for integration with a 3T MRI scanner, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of respiratory, neuro, and cardiovascular functions in humans.
Data sheet: download
Note: contact Alessandro Navari for interest in using the instrument.
TCM5 basic PCO2-SpO2
The TCM5 BASIC transcutaneous monitor gives you a continuous and non-invasive way to record oxygenation and ventilation in sleep clinic patients. It measures multiple parameters all night – without disturbing the patient.
Data sheet: download
Note: purchased, not yet in Lab.