A low-cost thermoelectrically cooled tissue clamp for in vitro cyclic loading and load-to-failure testing of muscles and tendons

Med Eng Phys. 2009 Nov;31(9):1182-6. doi: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2009.06.008. Epub 2009 Jul 22.

Abstract

In vitro cyclic loading and load-to-failure testing of muscles and tendons require a reliable linking device between tissues and the actuator that can transmit high loads without slippage or tissue damage. This article describes a simple custom-made thermoelectrically cooled freeze clamp. The effectiveness of the clamp to transmit loads without tissue slippage was evaluated on 10 canine quadriceps femoris myo-tendinous junctions in both load-to-failure and cyclic loading settings. Dynamic cyclic loading during an extensive period of time was successfully achieved. Loads up to 4.84 kN were applied in quasi-static conditions without evidence of clamp slippage or failure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Dogs
  • Electrophysiology / methods
  • Equipment Design
  • Hot Temperature
  • Materials Testing
  • Muscles / physiology*
  • Orthopedic Procedures
  • Stress, Mechanical*
  • Tendons / physiology*
  • Tensile Strength
  • Time Factors
  • Weight-Bearing