Basic NeuroscienceSaBer DBS: A fully programmable, rechargeable, bilateral, charge-balanced preclinical microstimulator for long-term neural stimulation

To effectively study the mechanisms by which deep brain stimulation (DBS) produces its therapeutic benefit and to evaluate new therapeutic indications, it is vital to administer DBS over an extended period of time in awake, freely behaving animals. To date multiple preclinical stimulators have been designed and described. However, these stimulators have failed to incorporate some of the design criteria necessary to provide a system analogous to those used clinically. Here we define these design criteria and propose an improved and complete preclinical DBS system. This system is fully programmable in frequency, pulse-width and current amplitude, has a rechargeable battery and delivers biphasic, charge-balanced output to two independent electrodes. The system has been optimized for either implantation or for use externally via attachment to rodent jackets.

► SaBer DBS, a preclinical stimulation device which performs comparably with devices currently in clinical use has been developed. ► The device is small enough for subcutaneous/intra-abdominal implantation in the rat or can be carried externally using rodent jackets. ► The device is rechargeable allowing stimulation up to the life expectancy of the subject. ► The device is fully programmable in frequency, pulse-width and current amplitude allowing the study of any common stimulation paradigm. ► Two independent outputs are charge-balanced ensuring zero net current delivery per period.