An important feature of stimulation microelectrodes is its safe charge injection limit. The microelectrodes cannot exceed a certain limit of current density, otherwise gas evolution of oxygen or hydrogen may occur. Polycrystalline electrodes are limited to 5mC/cm2 whilst the conventional Tin electrodes have a safe limit of 20mC/cm2. The Au electrodes have a limit of 3mC/cm. However, polycrystalline electrodes can only cause an evolution when a negative potential is applied, thus demonstrating that these are well suited for the stimulation of electrogenic cells. The use of thin film electrodes allows for the advantages of synchronized stimulation of a large number of electrodes and thus a large number of cells. However, it is vital to achieve a low specific phase …show more content…
1.2.1 KINETRA The Kinetra® Dual-Channel Neurostimulator, is built on the basis of Soletra/Activa. These are therapy neurostimulators that are used for the treatment of people with debilitating (old and weak) movement disorders, such as advanced Parkinson’s disease and Dystonia. It uses a single or a pair of surgically implanted medical instruments called neurostimulators,which are similar to the technology used for cardiac pacemakers, to convey electrical stimulation to precisely targeted sites on each side of the brain with the help of DBS extension or DBS leads. The Kinetrahouses two extensions/leads, thus providing bilateral neurostimulation from a single neurostimulator. It offers additional advantages for the patient than what a single channel stimulators can provide. The neurostimulator further consists of electronic circuitry and a voltage supply in the form of a battery, which are sealed in a titanium case. The operation of the neurostimulator is aided by a clinician programmer, a therapy controller, and a control magnet. Key