Overview

The Benchmark Stereotaxic Impactor is unique among Controlled Cortical Impact (CCI) instruments in that the actuator part mounts directly on a stereotaxic instrument. This allows an unprecedented degree of reproducablity of the position and direction of impact. Use the sterotaxic manipulator to achieve the desired location and angle to impact skull, brain tissue, or spinal cord. Or impact anywhere as a stimulator for tactile evoked potential studies.

The electromagnetic force applied can impart impact velocities from 1.5 m/s to 6 m/s. Preset the digital display to the desired impact velocity, set the dwell time (time the impactor remains extended and in contact, before retracting) on a thumbwheel switch and position the impactor to the desired impact location and angle. Touch the probe down while extended, the contact sensor will indicate the exact point of contact for reproducible results. Retract the impactor tip, lower the impactor by the amount of the desired impact depth, and press the switch. The tip will accelerate down to the extended distance, reaching the preset velocity by the end of the travel, and remain forced there for the dwell time, then retract automatically.

Comes with a selection of 2 inch long impactor tips with sizes (1,1.5, 2, 3 and 5 mm). Custom sizes can be prepared.

Fully instrumented studies in the lab found a much greater reproducibilty over a popular pneumatic model that tended to overshoot by varilable amounts.

Reliable and consistent impact velocity, controlled and reproducible position and angle of impact, and controlled dwell time are the design features of this instrument.

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