Murine heart volume: numerical comparison and calibration of conductance catheter models

A full set of finite-element method (FEM) studies of the catheter within a cylindrical cuvette and within an elliptical cuvette are presented along with novel insight on the fundamental electromagnetic properties of the catheter. An in vitro experiment with modified small mouse pressure-volume catheters was conducted and the results are presented as a validation of the FEM models. In addition, sensitivity analysis on the electrode size and position is conducted and the results allow for a novel calibration factor based on catheter geometry to be presented. This calibration factor is used in conjunction with Wei's conductance volume equations to reduce the average measured error in cuvette volume measurements from 26.5% to 5%.