Human neurophysiology
What pioneering research will you pursue this year?
Heard of the eWalk trial?
Initiated by SpinalCure and led by researchers at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), eWalk is a gold-standard international project – which, over the course of five years, aims to test, validate and develop ‘neurostimulation’ treatments for people with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Depending on which group they’re assigned to, participants are either given 12 weeks of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation or a placebo, combined with locomotor training. And we’re delighted to say, our latest isolated stimulator – the DS8R – was selected to deliver the precisely controlled electrical stimulation.
Ultimately, the goal is to see whether non-invasive stimulation (provided by the DS8R) will help to rewire neural pathways, and lead to a partial or full restoration of walking ability.
eWalk is the first large-scale clinical trial of its kind. It closes an important missing element in the global scientific evidence supporting neurostimulation, and has the potential to improve the quality of life of millions of people with SCI in the future.
Which is why, we’re incredibly proud to play our part.
As we head into the new year, we’re also excited to see how our isolated stimulators and isolated amplifiers will be used in future pioneering neurophysiology research.
If you’re in the process of planning a new research project and believe one of our devices could be right for the job, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re industry-leading experts, with unrivalled knowledge in this area, and we’d love to hear your ideas and offer our support.
Human neurophysiology at Digitimer
Here at Digitimer, we have extensive experience in the design and development of electrical stimulators and isolated amplifiers. Over the last 50 years, we’ve pushed the boundaries of our product range – devising a collection suitable for both human neuroscience and clinical applications.
To give you a better idea of what’s currently available, here we’ve rounded up a brief description of each device. Read on and take the first step towards placing your order today.
Isolated stimulators
This is a collection of electrical stimulators, specifically designed for central nervous system, peripheral nerve and muscle stimulation. Several of these are medically approved in Europe, the USA and other countries.
The DS7 High Voltage Current Stimulators
Three models are available in this family of isolated stimulators – the DS7A, DS7AH and DS7R.
Both the DS7A and DS7AH deliver isolated monophasic rectangular constant current pulses in response to a TTL pulse or digital trigger input. However, the DS7AH allows currents up to 1A with a reduced maximum pulse duration limit of 200µs. And as such, it’s intended to overcome the difficulties of stimulating deep peripheral nerves or large muscles with large area electrodes.
The DS7R also delivers the same isolated monophasic rectangular constant current pulses. However, whilst the first two are medically CE certified, this is a research variant for academic research only.
DS5 Isolated Bipolar Current Stimulator
Designed to speed up and enhance human peripheral nerve research and diagnostics, in combination with our QtracW threshold tracking software.
Unlike the DS7 family, the DS5 is not triggered, but requires an analogue voltage input, which it translates into an isolated current pulse – precisely mirroring the shape of the input waveform.
As a result, it’s more suited to applications that require something other than a simple rectangular pulse. And it should also be of interest to anyone wishing to add automation to surface stimulation protocols.
DS8R Isolated Biphasic Constant Current Stimulator
Our latest isolated stimulator.
The DS8R is a constant current, multi-mode, discrete pulse stimulator, for human research studies involving nerve and muscle stimulation via surface electrodes. It combines the high current/voltage output of the DS7R with a biphasic charge-balanced output and external control capabilities. And therefore, allows researchers to automate stimulus protocols via third-party software.
D185 Multipulse Cortical Stimulator
The D185 is the only standalone surgical stimulator with FDA clearance for intra-operative monitoring of the spinal cord, via transcranial motor evoked potentials (tcMEPs), and is now used worldwide for this particular technique.
Despite being developed with this purpose in mind, the brief high voltage output also makes it suitable for the differential diagnosis of peripheral nerve disorders, such as multifocal motor neuropathy and motor neurone disease – stimulating deep nerves, whilst minimising discomfort.
Isolated amplifiers
A collection of devices intended for the safe amplification of biological signals – including electromyography (EMG), evoked potential (EP) and electroencephalography (EEG).
Due to their wide gain and feature options and analogue signal outputs, all three of these isolated amplifiers are compatible with commercially available digital data acquisition systems.
D440 Isolated Amplifier
Available in two- and four-channel versions.
The D440 is a low noise solution for human EMG studies, specifically those related to nerve excitability. And its settings can be adjusted using Digitimer’s ‘virtual front panel’ software.
D360 8 Channel Patient Amplifier
The D360 is a computer-controlled 8-channel patient-isolated AC-coupled biological amplifier and analogue filter system, CE marked according to European medical device requirements.
It offers a high maximum gain, flexible high and low pass filter options and electrode impedance checking via headstage LEDs. Plus, multiple D360 amplifier systems can be connected to a single PC, allowing multiples of 8 channels to be controlled through a single software interface.
D360R Multi-channel Isolated Research Amplifier
Our newest development.
Based on the D360, the D360R-4 is a four-channel isolated amplifier – specifically designed with research in mind. It offers the same low noise performance as the D360, but by reducing the number of channels and removing electrode impedance checking, it’s a more cost-effective alternative for the research environment.
Find out more about our human neurophysiology devices
For more information on our isolated stimulators and isolated amplifiers – and how they could play a part in your 2023 neurophysiology research – be sure to take a look at our product brochure. This contains detailed information, as well as the features and specifications of each device.
You’re also welcome to contact us at any time.
One of our experts will gladly take you through the stimulators and amplifiers available, offering their tailored recommendations on the best options for your project. And if preferred, we can also provide a free no-obligation trial of your chosen device.
Whether you’re feeling inspired by the landmark eWalk trial, or already have your own research project in the pipeline, we’re bound to have a device that meets your requirements – and we’d love to be involved. Either call us on +44 (0)1707 328347 or send an email to [email protected] and we’ll respond as soon as possible.