The HSE-HA ISOHEART software for Windows can be adapted to virtually any experimental investigation of isolated hearts (according to Langendorff or Working Heart). Acquisition can cover signals such as perfusion pressure, perfusion flow, left ventricular pressure, aortic pressure, aortic flow, atrial pressure, atrial flow, coronary flow, segment length or wall thickness measurement, pO2, pCO2, pH, temperature, etc. Various parameters can be derived from these signals, (e.g., systolic, diastolic, mean and rate (frequency) values for pressures); dP/dt; contractility index CI; minimal, maximal, and mean flows, etc. During data acquisition all acquired signals and derived parameters are stored on the hard disk and can be displayed on the screen.
The HSE-HA ISOHEART software is available in a basic version which includes the minimal necessary algorithms. It can be upgraded to a more complex system including all the available algorithms. The configuration of the system is defined in configuration files to reduce the amount of settings necessary and to ensure a stable and secure system. The user has only to calibrate the signals and to fix the graphics scaling. All the hardware definitions and the algorithms used are defined in the configuration files. This reduces the amount of information necessary in the SOP's and the possibilities of wrong settings. The configuration files can of course be changed and the software can be used in combination with a set of different configuration files to match the different experiments. ISOHEART is a menu-controlled software and employs special algorithms to calculate the standard parameters.

The HSE-HA ISOHEART W software has a maximum of 16 channels, i.e. up to 16 different raw signals can be handled. The assignment of the signals to the individual channels is determined in the configuration files. The sample rate, the type of signals and the algorithm used for analysis are also defined in the configuration file. The arrangement of the graphic detail (raw signals) and trend (calculated parameters) is defined in the menu. The user has only to set up which of the available signals he wants to acquire and display, which of the possible parameters he wants to evaluate and display; to enter the experimental protocol and finally to calibrate before he starts the data acquisition.
HSE-HA Data Acquisition Hardware for ISOHEART Software is available in three versions:
• PLUGSYS Version BS4 73-0161
This version consists of the PCI A/D board DT301 and the cable for connecting to a DIM Data Interface Module installed in the PLUGSYS basic system case, see page I28.
• Stand Alone Version BS4 73-0235
This version consists of the PCI A/D board DT301 and a BNC input box where signals from external amplifiers can be connected.
• Stand Alone USB Version BS4 73-3330
Hardware Requirements for ISOHEART:
Both the PLUGSYS and Stand Alone Versions require the following computer hardware:
Computer Pentium PC at least 500 MHz with one free PCI-slot,
RAM 128 MB of RAM
Operating System Windows 2000/XP or Windows NT
Hard Disk Space With at least 3.2 GB
Floppy Drive 1.44 MB
CD-ROM Drive Required
Monitor 17-19”
Backup Media MO drive, CD recorder or ZIP drive
Commonly Used Signals for Langendorff Preparation are:
LVP isovolumetric LVP or contraction force
PP perfusion pressure
CF coronary flow
WT wall thickness or left ventricle diameter
EG electrogram
pO2a /e oxygen partial pressure in the affluent / effluent
pH pH in the effluent
Commonly Used Signals for Working Heart Preparation are:
PrP preload pressure
AoP aortic pressure (afterload)
LVP left Ventricular Pressure, measured with tip catheter
AF aortic flow
CO cardiac output (flow into left atrium)
WT wall thickness or left ventricle diameter
EG electrogram
pO2a / e oxygen partial pressure in the affluent / effluent
pH pH in the effluent
It is also possible to acquire other signals (e.g., temperature);
maximum is 16 signals.
Standard ISOHEART Software is able to Calculate Following Parameters Online:
From LVP signal: LVPsys, LVPdia, LVPEDP, dLVP/dtmin, dLVP/dtmax, heart rate, mean pressure
From all pressures: systolic, diastolic and mean pressure
From all flows: mean, maximum and minimum flow
From distance: maximum, minimum and amplitude (max - min)
From electrogram: heart rate
From pO2, pCO2 and pH: mean value
For Specific Applications, Software Modules with More Parameters are available:
Advanced LVP: Tau, Time to Peak, Relaxation Time, Contractility Index CI=dp/dtmax/P, Ejection Time
Advanced flow: End Systolic Flow ESFL, End Diastolic Flow EDFL
MAP module: Max, Min, Plateau, Amp, Rate, ±dv/dt, duration at 10% of monophasic action potentials
Dimension module: end-systolic length ESL, end-diastolic length EDL, +dL/dt, -dL/dt
Software Options for Controlling External Devices:
Control of programmable stimulator PSM
Control of pretention using electrical controlled verniers
Triggering of an external stimulator