Neural recruitment and tissue damage propensity for fractal deep brain stimulation electrodes

Abstract

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes are currently used in the treatment of various neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. Deep brain stimulators are battery powered. When batteries are depleted, the stimulator must be replaced. Deep brain stimulators have a median lifetime of less than 4 years. In applications requiring high charge injection the device may last less than 1 year. Surgical replacement is expensive and carries significant risk. Goal: decrease power consumption of deep brain stimulators with novel electrode designs.