Fabrication and initial testing of the μDBS: a novel Deep Brain Stimulation electrode with thousands of individually controllable contacts

High frequency electrical stimulation of deep brain structures such as the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson’s disease or thalamus for essential tremor is used clinically to reduce symptom severity. Deep brain stimulation activates neurons in specific brain structures and connection pathways, overrid...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biomedical microdevices 2015, Vol.17 (3), p.9961-9961, Article 56
Main Authors: Willsie, Andrew, Dorval, Alan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and Medical Physics
Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering
Biophysics
Deep Brain Stimulation - instrumentation
Electric Conductivity
Electrodes, Implanted
Engineering
Engineering Fluid Dynamics
Equipment Design
Equipment Failure Analysis
Microarray Analysis - instrumentation
Microelectrodes
Nanotechnology
Pilot Projects
Reproducibility of Results
Sensitivity and Specificity
Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted - instrumentation
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Summary:High frequency electrical stimulation of deep brain structures such as the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson’s disease or thalamus for essential tremor is used clinically to reduce symptom severity. Deep brain stimulation activates neurons in specific brain structures and connection pathways, overriding aberrant neural activity associated with symptoms. While optimal deep brain stimulation might activate a particular neural structure precisely, existing deep brain stimulation can only generate roughly-spherical regions of activation that do not overlap with any target anatomy. Additionally, side effects linked to stimulation may be the result of limited control over placement of stimulation and its subsequent spread out of optimal target boundaries. We propose a novel lead with thousands of individually controllable contacts capable of asymmetric stimulation profiles. Here we outline the design motivation, manufacturing process, and initial testing of this new electrode design, placing it on track for further directional stimulation studies.
ISSN:1387-2176
1572-8781
DOI:10.1007/s10544-015-9961-x