We are now providing micro-surgical services in CSM Optogenetics core to prepare animals for research projects, including chronic 2p imaging, fiber photometry, optogenetics and miniscope imaging experiments.
While it has been demonstrated quite successful, we realize there is still a need for microsurgical techniques to support in vivo research.
To help labs achieve consistent and reproducible cranial window and GRIN lens implantation, we developed a standard training course. The training process begins with creating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) according to the lab's experimental requirements, followed by on-site training at our core facility, and then evaluation.

Surgical Training Protocol

1. Work out an SOP according to lab’s experimental design including (new procedures only, no charge):
   • Protocol name
   • Objective of the surgery
   • Equipment and setup
   • Materials, tools, and order information
   • Reagent and setup
   • Requirements of pre-and post-surgery care
   • Surgical steps
2. Training (for new or existing procedures)
   • Make a training plan according to the trainee’s requirements and proficiency level.
   • Consultation (no charge)
   • Watch procedure in core facility: including the surgical details under surgical scope through a screen (see fee schedule). Animal could be used for experiment.
   • Perform procedure in core facility under the supervision of the core surgeon (see fee schedule).
   • Self practice in labs according to the instructions of the core surgeon (no charge).
3. Follow up.
   • Ask questions when practicing or performing surgery in your lab (no charge).
4. Evaluation (by lab)
   • Evaluation by the imaging and histology results

Requirement for post-operative analgesia and monitoring from users of surgical services provided by CSM Optogenetics Core Facility.

The CSM Optogenetics Core Facility provides contract surgical services through our full-time surgical specialist, Dr. Jianjun Sun.  All users who wish to use the surgical services offered through the CSM Optogenetics Core must list Dr. Sun on their animal use protocol before any work may proceed. When surgical services are used, an initial pre-operative dose of analgesia will be administered to the animal by Dr. Sun.  After the surgery is complete, users are required to perform all post-operative analgesia and monitoring on all surgical animals.  This is the sole responsibility of the core users and must comply with the requirements described within their individual approved animal use protocols.  Neither Dr. Sun, nor the core facility, are responsible for any post-operative care of surgical animals.