3-D microfabricated electrodes for targeted deep brain stimulation

This work presents a novel 4-sided, 16-channel deep brain stimulation electrode with a custom flexible high-density lead for connectivity with pulse generation electronics. The 3-dimensional electrode enables steering the current field circumferentially. The electrode is fabricated in pieces by micromachining and microfabrication techniques; the pieces are then assembled mechanically to form the electrode, after which the lead is connected. The electrode is modeled by finite element analysis and tested in vitro to validate the design concept, i.e., targeted stimulation. Simulation and experimental results for a targeted stimulation show close agreement. With a symmetric bipolar stimulation configuration, within a 3 mm radius, the electric potential in front of the activated side is at least 3.6 times larger than that on the corresponding two adjacent, not-activated sides, and 9 times larger than the corresponding opposite, not-activated side.