Authors:
Franz Plocksties
1
;
Christoph Niemann
1
;
Mareike Fauser
2
;
Alexander Storch
2
;
Dirk Timmermann
1
and
Christian Haubelt
1
Affiliations:
1
Institute of Applied Microelectronics and Computer Engineering, University of Rostock, Germany
;
2
Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
Keyword(s):
Deep Brain Stimulation, Long-Term, Preclinical DBS Device, Adaptive DBS.
Abstract:
Rodent models are essential for our understanding of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) mechanisms. However, most existing preclinical devices lack to support the broad experimental range required for modern DBS approaches. This paper presents the neurostimulation system STELLA+, which aims to enhance the scope of long-term DBS research in rodent models. STELLA+ upgrades the previous STELLA system that has been successfully used in several rodent studies. It features technical and architectural enhancements to increase performance and functionality for long-term DBS experiments. Initial in vitro findings demonstrate that STELLA+ delivers charge-balanced, current-controlled pulses with high accuracy across a range of stimulation settings up to a compliance voltage of 4.3 V. With a maximum current consumption of 25.1 µA at 4.3 V in bilateral DBS-on mode, STELLA+ enables long-term experiments of 6.8 weeks using a 29 mAh lithiumion battery. Additionally, STELLA+ includes a Bluetooth Low Energy
module and the capability to acquire and compute on-board physiological data, enabling adaptive DBS applications. All these features are housed within a compact size of 21x14.5x4 mm, minimizing the impact on rodents. Compared to the other stateof-the-art DBS devices, STELLA+ demonstrates enhanced efficiency in stimulus generation and a uniquely comprehensive feature set.
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