Baro Chamber (BC)

Carotid baroreflex stimulation, achieved through controlled manipulation of carotid transmural pressure, is widely used to investigate baroreflex, cardiovascular, and autonomic regulation. The carotid baroreflex plays a central role in maintaining blood pressure homeostasis through modulation of heart rate and peripheral vascular resistance. Accordingly, the application of positive and/or negative pressure to a neck chamber that encompass the carotid baroreceptors has broad utility in both physiological research and clinical investigation.

This technique is commonly applied to studies of orthostatic tolerance, cardiovascular risk, and autonomic function, as well as clinical evaluations of pharmacological and therapeutic interventions for conditions such as spinal cord injury, hypertension, heart failure, and pain. Key advantages include its noninvasive nature, the ability to assess both cardiac and vascular reflex responses, and the capacity to characterize the full sigmoid stimulus–response relationship.

Despite its value, traditional carotid baroreflex instrumentation has faced limitations that restrict broader adoption, including cumbersome neck chamber designs, sealing challenges, and subject discomfort. The Technavance solution addresses these challenges directly. The instrument features a lightweight, low-profile neck chamber that can be quickly secured to and removed from the participant, improving comfort and usability.

Automated pressure control enables precise regulation of pressure magnitude, rate of change, timing, and duration, with high repeatability across trials. Comprehensive software supports step protocols, real-time visualization through a web-based interface, and direct data export to third-party acquisition systems. The system delivers a pressure range of approximately +40 to −80 mmHg, monitored in real time for accurate experimental control.

Designed for practical laboratory use, the instrument includes lockable casters for mobility, integrated hooks for neck chamber storage, and a dedicated work surface to support efficient setup and operation.