Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS)

The only device designed for Galvanic Vestibular stimulation (GVS).

The Soterix Medical Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS) systems includes the first electrode designed for trans-mastoid stimulation, the first headgear to support mastoid electrode robustly, and the first stimulation with outputs, controls, and safety monitoring optimized for GVS.

The Galvanic Vestibular Stimulator, based on the industry-standard Soterix Medical 1×1 platform, is the only system designed for consistent and controlled current delivery, even at current up to 6 mA. Two stimulator models are available: 1) Bench-top form factor and 2) Hand-held form factor. Both the devices provide noisy GVS waveform (white noise) in addition to DC, AC, and Random Noise waveforms.

Available in two models

Bench Top

Direct Current, Sine, Random Noise, White Noise, Sub-sensory (Stochastic Resonance) Waveforms
0.5 to 200 Hz for Sine, Random Noise, and White Noise waves. Monophasic or Biphasic option (50% duty cycle). 1-2 Hz and 0-30 Hz implementation for Sub-sensory waveform.
0.5 to 200 Hz for non-DC waves, monophasic or biphasic option (50% duty cycle)
Up to 6 mA peak current, adjustable real time with RELAX
Simple and safe Open-Panel™ interface
Power: Internal rechargeable battery (removable)
Additional unique Soterix Medical controls and features such as Wireless control, External trigger, etc.

Hand-Held

Remote supervised delivery of Direct Current, Sine, Random Noise, and White Noise Waveforms
Cost effective device for remote supervised GVS
Secure administrator mode to program stimulation dose
1 to 200 Hz for non-DC waves, monophasic or biphasic option (50% duty cycle)
1Hz frequency resolution
Up to 6 mA peak current
Intelligent power management maximizes battery life
Compact Design
Power: Internal rechargeable battery (removable)
Additional unique Soterix Medical controls and features such as External trigger can be added on demand

Product Features

Description

The Soterix Medical Galvanic Vestibular System is the most advanced technology available for reliable and tolerated GVS and the only system incorporating state of the art electronic and electrode technology.

The Soterix Medical GVS technology has two models, a Bench-top form factor with an Open-Panel design that allows easy access to all the stimulation controls and a hand-held version that can be programmed for remote supervised current delivery.

The RELAX™ feature available on all Soterix Medical GVS devices allow dynamic titration of dose while SMARTScan™ provides intelligent read-out of impedance before and during stimulation.

Soterix Medical GVS systems are designed to deliver direct current non-invasively to the vestibular system with electrodes placed on the mastoid bones. The Vestibular HD-Cup electrodes are designed to optimally interface mechanically and electrically with the mastoid process. One hypothesis is that GVS results in a continuous modulation of the firing rate of vestibular afferents, which manifests in a standing subject leaning in a different direction depending in the polarity of the current.

GVS Features:

Waveform:
Galvanic Direct or Oscillating Stimulation
Duration: 4 duration settings (up to 20 minutes) with count-down clock display and easy-access ABORT option.
Intensity: 4 current settings (up to 6 mA) with unique power-management and automatic current reduction when poor contact conditions are detected.
2-4 Channels: Single device can be configured for two electrodes (one anode and one cathode). Custom options for three electrodes (two anodes and one cathode or two cathodes and one anode) and four electrodes (two anodes and two cathodes) are available.
Sham: Sham waveform validated with our electrodes for robust blinding of subject.
SMARTscanProvides a continuous visual indication of electrode quality before and during stimulation.
True Current: Clearly indicates the actual current supplied at the moment – option available for bench-top device.
Tickle™ may be used to both condition skin prior to Galvanic Vestibular stimulation to help condition the skin – option available for bench-top device.
Relax: Allows the clinician to use a simple sliding bar to transiently decrease the current from the pre-set value, for example, based on subject feedback. – option available for bench-top device.
Remote Supervision: Allows the clinician or administrator to set dose and use limits. Allows supervision of stimulation sessions remote from clinic – option available for hand-held device.
Pause: A simple feature that minimizes dropout in double-blind clinical trials – option available for hand-held device.

GVS + MRI

Soterix Medical GVS systems can be used in the fMRI/MRI using a unique GVS-MRI kit. These complete kits provide an easy solution for full integration of our GVS stimulator with MRI/fMRI. The setup is rated to be compatible with any sequence in a 7T machine in Normal and First Level modes.

Technical Specifications

Electrical and Operating Characteristics:

Bench-top

Power source: 2 x 9V Li-ion rechargeable
Battery run time: 6 hours**
Time to fully charge: 5-6 hours
Available waveforms: DC, sine, sub-sensory, random noise, white noise
Adjustable frequencies: up to 200 Hz with 0.5 Hz resolution (sine and random)
Noise spectrum of white noise: 100 KHz
Adjustable duration: 30s, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes
Adjustable current intensity: up to ±6,000 µA
Maximum Output Voltage: 40V ± 2V
Connector type: shielded banana
Length: 7.91 in.
Width: 5.9 in.
Height: 2.83 in.

Hand-held

Power source: 3, 1.2V (nominal) min 750 mAh rechargeable batteries (removable)
Battery run time (on full charge): stimulation time of at-least 300 minutes* – not counting device on/off time
(standby time).
Battery life: 2100 charge cycles
5 waveform modes: DC, sine, pulse, random noise, white noise
Adjustable frequencies: from 1 to 200 Hz with 1 Hz resolution
Adjustable current intensity: up to ±6000 µA
Adjustable duration: from 5 to 30 minutes
Connector type: Shielded Banana
Height: 6.3 in.
Width: 2.8 in.
Depth: 0.6 in.