New Minitraumatic Method for a Simulation of Continuous Intracranial Pressure Curves with Strain Electrometric Technology in Rats

Monitoring intracranial pressure (ICP) is crucial in the study of neurosurgical disorders. In the present study, we propose a new minitraumatic method for monitoring ICP with strain-electrometric technology in rats. Strain foils were placed on the exterior surface of parietal skull to record the strains of skull bone. A small incision was made on the skin in the rat´s head and the area is shaved for about 11 mm². ICP variation was recorded simultaneously via strain foils on the skull. Three anesthetized adult rats were subjected to baseline recording followed by either experimental raising ICP induced by Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). A similar acute response was recorded in both the strains and ICP variation. The strain foils continuously and accurately monitored strain-ICP, and reliable pressure tracings were obtained for up to 4 h after MCAO. ICP decreased for the leaking blood from the carotid artery. The strains of skull bone can be measurable with the changing ICP. The strains can reflect the ICP change. This new strain-ICP method is simple, safe, reliable, and feasible in rats. Continued strain-ICP measurements provided monitoring for up to 4 h after experimental manipulation.