DBS Microstimulator

The Thomas RECORDING offers a novel wireless microstimulation system for deep brain stimulation (wDBS) tailored for rodents. Our IMS is a standardized, wearable microstimulation system suitable for translational DBS research in freely moving animal models. Recognizing that DBS systems in human patients offer programmable options for key stimulation settings such as current amplitude, stimulation frequency, and pulse width, we integrated similar programmability into our wDBS microstimulation system. The wDBS microstimulation system consists of the microstimulator, which can be connected to an implanted stimulation microelectrode. Our quartz-glass insulated platinum–tungsten fiber microelectrodes for stimulation have a shaft diameter of just 100 μm and carry a small tip, causing minimal tissue damage and allow a high spatial resolution and stimulation selectivity for the DBS process. To ensure the reproducibility of wDBS experiments, we have standardized the stimulation microelectrodes with respect to dimensions and electrical properties. For details see “Features” section below:

Product Description

Selected Publications

A. Grotemeyer, T. Petschner, R. Peach, D. Hoehl, T. Knauer, U. Thomas, H. Endres, R. Blum, M. Sendtner, J. Volkmann, C.W. Ip,

Standardized wireless deep brain stimulation system for mice

npj Parkinson's Disease 10(1) (2024) 153.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-024-00767-2

System developed in cooperation with:

Prof. Dr. Jens Volkmann
Deputy Spokesperson, Steering Committee Member, Project Leader
https://sfb-retune.de/people/prof-jens-volkmann/

Prof. Dr. Chi Wang Ip
Project Leader
https://sfb-retune.de/people/prof-chi-wang-ip/

Microstimulator

The implantable microstimulator is available in two different sizes with two different battery capacities (see techncial details). The smaller version is more lightweight and well suited for mice. The larger version has higher battery capacity and is used for rats. The microstimulator is equipped with two conenction cables, one for conencting the stimulator to the implanted stimulation electrodes and one cable to conenct the stimulator to the programming interface. The programming interface is used to re-program the software of the stimulator before or after implantation. The microstimulator has integrated batteries and a medical grade housing to guarantee biocompatibility when implanted.