Confocal Wire Myograph System – 360CW

Wire myography with close optical access for confocal imaging

The DMT 360CW is a confocal wire myograph designed to combine isometric force measurement with high-resolution fluorescence imaging. It enables researchers to correlate vessel contraction with intracellular signals such as Ca²⁺ dynamics in mounted arteries or tissue ring preparations.

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Force + fluorescence Simultaneous isometric force and imaging workflows.

30 µm to 3 mm For small vessels and ring-shaped tissue preparations.

Close optical access Designed for high-magnification confocal objectives.

Force + imaging mechanical and fluorescence endpoints from one preparation

Why choose 360CW

Designed for studies where vascular function and imaging matter together

The 360CW combines the mechanical precision of wire myography with close optical access for fluorescence, confocal and advanced morphological imaging.

Simultaneous force and fluorescence

Measure isometric contraction while collecting fluorescence or confocal data from the same mounted vessel or tissue segment.

Close optical access

The specialized chamber geometry positions the preparation close to the optical window for high-resolution imaging.

Precise Z-axis positioning

Micrometer-based vertical adjustment helps position the mounted vessel accurately relative to the objective and optical path.

Inverted and upright microscope use

The chamber supports high-NA immersion objectives on inverted microscopes and direct immersion objectives on upright systems.

Low-volume conical chamber

The conical bath minimizes media volume while preserving optical access, physiological control and practical access to the tissue.

Direct data output

Force and temperature data can be recorded through USB or user-defined analogue outputs.

DMT 360CW confocal wire myograph chamber — Low-volume confocal wire myograph chamber with optical-window access and precision Z-axis positioning.

System overview

Confocal access without giving up wire myograph precision

The 360CW chamber combines the stability and precision of conventional wire myography with a chamber geometry optimized for close optical access.

Vessel or tissue ring preparations are mounted on specialized supports positioned directly above or on the chamber window. This allows high-magnification objectives to image the preparation while force is measured continuously.

Laser-scanning confocal microscopy Designed for fluorescence imaging of mounted arteries and tissue rings.

Isometric force measurement Record vessel contraction and relaxation while imaging the preparation.

Z-axis micrometer movement Position the tissue precisely relative to the optical window and microscope objective.

Custom chamber covers Connections can support suction, gassing and compatible measurement electrodes.

Research applications

Link mechanical vessel function to cellular signalling

The 360CW is especially relevant where contractile function needs to be correlated with cellular or subcellular fluorescence signals.

Typical applications include vascular smooth muscle Ca²⁺ handling, endothelial signalling, fluorescence marker dynamics and morphology-linked functional responses.

Hypertension Atherosclerosis Diabetes Pre-eclampsia Endothelial function Microcirculation Pulmonary and airway research

Intracellular calcium imaging

Correlate vessel contraction with intracellular Ca²⁺ responses in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Vascular smooth muscle signalling

Combine mechanical and fluorescence endpoints in the same mounted preparation.

Morphological imaging

Use high-end microscopy to examine mounted vessel or tissue structure during controlled functional studies.

Electrode-compatible workflows

Custom covers can support compatible pH, NO or O₂-tension measurement electrodes.

Microscope compatibility

Confirm the optical setup before selecting the final configuration

The 360CW is a specialized system. Microscope geometry, objective working distance, immersion requirements and chamber-cover format should be reviewed before ordering.

DMT can review microscope and objective information to help assess system fit. Compatibility should be confirmed for the intended imaging configuration.

Microscope orientation Confirm whether the system will be used with an inverted or upright microscope.

Objective working distance Verify working distance, objective diameter and access to the mounted preparation.

Immersion requirements Confirm whether water, oil or direct immersion is required for the selected objective.

Chamber-cover configuration Select the appropriate cover and connections for gassing, suction, compounds and measurement electrodes.

Imaging and acquisition workflow Plan synchronization between confocal imaging, force recording, temperature data and experimental events.

System components

Specialized hardware for simultaneous force measurement and imaging

The 360CW workflow combines the confocal-access chamber, wire myograph force measurement and the Wire Interface for heating, calibration and data communication.

Confocal wire myograph platform

Specialized system for combining isometric vessel-force measurement with confocal or fluorescence imaging.

Low-volume confocal chamber

Conical chamber geometry and optical-window access for high-magnification imaging of mounted vessels and tissue rings.

Wire Interface

Touchscreen control for heating, force calibration, output configuration and direct data communication.

Technical data

Key 360CW specifications

Core chamber, optical-access, temperature, transducer and data specifications for planning a complete 360CW installation.

The 360CW is intended for specialized wire-myography and microscopy workflows. Objective working distance, microscope configuration and preparation positioning should be confirmed before ordering.

Chamber

Number of chambers: 1
Minimum chamber volume: 2.2 ml
Chamber material: Acid-resistant stainless steel
Vessel size: >30 µm
Preparation size range: 30 µm to 3 mm
Normalization: Manual
Micrometer resolution: 0.01 mm
Mounting type: Jaws
Optical compatibility: Low working-distance objectives

Temperature

Temperature range: 15.0 to 50.0 °C
Temperature resolution: 0.1 °C
Temperature stability: ±0.2 °C
Heating: Yes

Transducer

Output reading: mN
Force range: ±200 mN
Force resolution: 0.01 mN
Force calibration: Yes

Data output

Data communication: USB 2.0
Analogue output channels: 4
Analogue output range: ±2.5 V

Configuration guidance

Plan the complete confocal myography workflow

The correct setup depends on the microscope platform, imaging method, objective geometry, preparation type, data-acquisition workflow and available laboratory infrastructure.

Core laboratory items

Typical complete workflows include data acquisition, a compatible computer, dissection stereo microscope, LED light source, dissection tools, open heating bath or circulator and vacuum package.

Microscopy-specific planning

Confirm inverted or upright configuration, objective working distance, immersion requirements, optical access and required chamber-cover format.

Useful additions

Common additions include an electronic drainage valve, gas supply manifold, pH electrode and meter, compatible measurement electrodes, tungsten wire and stimulation accessories.

MyoDAQ Acquisition Accessories and parts How-to videos Training and installation Ask DMT about compatibility

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about the 360CW

What is the Confocal Wire Myograph System 360CW used for?

The 360CW combines isometric force measurement with high-resolution fluorescence and confocal imaging, allowing researchers to study vascular function while simultaneously visualizing cellular signaling, calcium dynamics, and tissue morphology in the same vessel preparation.

What types of vessels and tissues can be studied with the 360CW?

The 360CW is designed for small arteries, veins, and ring-shaped tissue preparations from 30 µm to 3 mm. Its specialized chamber provides excellent optical access while maintaining the precision of traditional wire myography.

What measurements can the Confocal Wire Myograph System 360CW perform?

The system measures isometric force, vascular contraction, relaxation, length-tension relationships, and concentration-response curves while simultaneously capturing fluorescence or confocal images. This allows researchers to directly correlate functional responses with cellular and molecular events.

Can the 360CW be used for calcium imaging and fluorescence studies?

Yes. The 360CW is specifically designed for calcium imaging, fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, intracellular signaling, and morphological imaging while continuously measuring vascular force. It's ideal for studies linking vascular contraction with intracellular calcium or other fluorescent markers.

Why choose the 360CW over a standard Wire Myograph?

The 360CW is purpose-built for experiments where mechanical function and cellular imaging need to be measured simultaneously. Its low-volume chamber, precision Z-axis positioning, and optimized optical access make it compatible with high-magnification objectives while maintaining accurate force measurements.

What research applications is the 360CW best suited for?

The 360CW is widely used in vascular biology, calcium signaling, endothelial function, smooth muscle physiology, hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, pulmonary research, and fluorescence imaging studies where researchers need to combine functional and imaging data.

What's the difference between the 360CW and the 320A Wire Myograph?

Both systems measure isometric force in isolated vessels, but the 360CW is optimized for confocal and fluorescence imaging, allowing simultaneous functional and cellular measurements. The 320A is the ideal choice for traditional wire myography when advanced optical imaging is not required.

Is the Confocal Wire Myograph System 360CW the right system for my research?

The 360CW is the best choice if your research combines vascular function with confocal microscopy, fluorescence imaging, calcium signaling, or intracellular imaging. If your experiments focus solely on vascular reactivity and force measurements, a standard wire myograph such as the 320A, 420A, or 620M may be a more appropriate solution.

Resources

360CW documentation and supporting resources

Use the data sheet, software, publication search and support resources when evaluating or configuring a 360CW workflow.

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