Leica Biosystems ANGLE TWO - Manual (Page 5)

Leica Angle Two ™ User Manual Rev A02 © Leica Biosystems Richmond Inc. 2010 5
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Introduction
The Leica Angle Two ™ stereotaxic system is designed to perform surgery at any angle and position. Reaching the
target site is easier and more accurate than manual systems as the Angle Two is computer assisted – all
calculations are done for you – meaning no user errors and no pilot studies are needed.
Probe position is set with three linear movements (in anterior/posterior, medial/lateral and dorsal/ventral axes)
and two rotary movements (tilt and rotation). Encoders on the manipulator measure these positions and relay
them to the Angle Two software. Using this information the software calculates the exact distance the
manipulator must move to reach the target site at any tilt or rotation.
The Virtual Skull Flat ™ feature in the software uses the bregma and lambda reference points to calculate skull
tilt. You don’t need to move the animal to align the skull horizontally or perform difficult calculations to
incorporate tilt into the target coordinates – the software does it for you, automatically setting appropriate
“distance to target” figures.
To use the Angle Two system choose one of the atlases available and then select the coronal plate that shows
the target site. Click on the screen to mark the site or alternatively use previously saved target coordinates.
Once the target site is entered move the probe to known reference points (typically bregma and lambda) which
the software uses to align the atlas plate with the animal’s brain. Then simply move the manipulator drives and
watch the AP, ML and DV displays count down to zero – indicating you have reached the target site.
1.1 Basic Steps of Use
After unpacking and installing the instrument:
1. Align the instrument (see “Alignment” on page 33)
2. Select the target site (see “Selecting the Target Site” on page 43)
3. Position the animal (see “Positioning the Animal” on page 43)
4. Adjust the tilt and rotation of the manipulator (see “Manipulator: Tilt, Rotation and Swing-
Out” on page 16)
5. Locate the zero reference points (see “Locating Bregma and Lambda” on page 44)
6. Move the manipulator over the target site (see “Locating the Target Site” on page 45)
7.
Drill and insert the probe (see “Probe Placement” on page 46).