An infrared device for monitoring the respiration of small rodents during magnetic resonance imaging

A device that uses infrared reflectometry for monitoring the respiratory waveform of small rodents during MRI was developed. This system uses a photoplethysmograph coupled to the animal by a light pipe to detect movements as small as 1.0 mm. This device can also be used for monitoring larger animals or for controlling respiratory‐compensated or respiratory‐triggered MRI.