taVNS Stimulator
The only integrated device and accessories for clinical research on taVNS
The Soterix Medical taVNS system is an inexpensive, low-risk, easy to administer, and portable option to modulate the vagus system. taVNS is appealing as it allows for rapid translation of basic VNS research in exploring potential treatments of central and peripheral disease.
The taVNS stimulator system provides the necessary pulse parameter settings (frequency, train duration, inter-train interval, session duration) that allow testing commonly used protocols. With option to unlock device in as many as three different ways (code-based , time-based, ElectraRx web-based), the system provides researchers with flexibility to plan taVNS trials as they wish.
The optimal stimulation targets are still being explored (Badran et al 2018), however, the two most common placements are the anterior wall of the outer ear canal (tragus) and the cymba conchae. Sham stimulation may be conducted by stimulating the earlobe of the ear, an area believed to have minimal ABVN innervation. Alternatively, sham may be delivered via a passive control method in which electrodes are attached to active sites, but no stimulation is delivered. Stimulation parameters used have varied between groups, however according to the literature, stimulation is delivered in a pulsatile fashion (pulse width: 250–500 μs, frequency: 10–25 Hz) and delivered at an individualized constant current (< 5 mA).
Product Features
taVNS Technical Specifications
Electrical and Operating Characteristics:
- Power source: 3, 1.2V (nominal) 750 mAh rechargeable batteries (removable)
- Battery life (on full charge): stimulation time of at-least 180 minutes* – not counting device on/off time (standby time).
- Waveform: Monophasic Pulse
- Current intensity: Adjustable from +500 μA to +5,000 μA with 100 μA increment step
- Duration: Adjustable from 5 to 60 minutes with 1 min increment step
- Train Duration: Adjustable from 1 to 30 seconds with 1 second increment step
- Inter Train Interval: Adjustable from 0 to 30 seconds with 1 second increment step
- Frequency: Adjustable from 1 to 200 Hz with 1 Hz increment step
- Pulse width: Adjustable from 20 to [(1,000,000/F)-20] μseconds; where F is the set frequency. 1 μseconds increment step
- Height: 6.3 in.
- Width: 2.8 in.
- Depth: 0.6 in.
- Connector type: Shielded Banana
Downloads
Applications:
- transcutaneous auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS)
taVNS Accessories
RELIfit-Tragus
The RELIfit-Tragus solution is uniquely designed to hook around the ear for fail safe positioning in real-world applications. The simple and convenient design offers the option for either short duration (saline sprayed sponge) or extended duration (gel) applications.
RELI-Stick
The RELI-Stick electrode offers unmatched versatility. These single use flexible hydrogel electrodes with optimal adhesion performance can be positioned anywhere on the ear for ultimate customization and subject comfort.
Easy-Clip
The EASY-Clip electrode is designed for ease-of-use and flexible application. The optimal spring mechanism has been validated to ensure a comfortable and robust contact whether targeting the auditory canal (tragus) or the ear lobe for SHAM stimulation.