Integrated continuous microstimulation system for deep brain stimulation in rodent models of neurological disorders

This article proposes two prototypes in order to assure chronic deep brain stimulation in freely moving rodents, modeling the functional neurosurgical approach developed for the treatment of Parkinson´s disease, which is now extending to a number of neurological and psychiatric diseases. This treatment is based on electrical simulation in a precise brain target with adapted parameters for each indication in terms of frequency, intensity and pulse width. The first topology, a discrete solution has been realized by using CMS technology and tested on a rat model of Parkinson´s disease. The second one, even more miniaturized for a mouse application, is an all integrated solution with live tuning. A 0.35μm standard CMOS technology has been used for the realization of this last one solution with a final silicon ar ea of 620 * 516, 4μm².