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Embedding the X-Headstage™ with the electrode can enhance recording quality and simplify animal handling. However, concerns about reusability may deter some researchers from adopting this technique. Here are some helpful tips:

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Electrodes and implanted devices are typically secured to the skull with dental acrylic. To recover the X-Headstage™, you'll need to separate it, along with the electrode if possible, from the acrylic after the experiment, once the brain has been perfused and extracted. Dental acrylic can be softened and dissolved using acetone. Leaving the extracted implant overnight will soften the acrylic enough to peel it off the X-Headstage™. To prevent particles from clogging the connector pins during soaking and detaching, apply a thin layer of Vaseline around the X-Headstage™ probe connectors before embedding. Additionally, plugging in the cable during application and dissolution can help prevent acrylic from dripping into the connector.

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Embedding the X-Headstage™

• Connect the electrode to the X-Headstage™ and cover any unused connectors with a cycle extension adapter if using a 32-channel headstage with only one board-to-board connector in use.
• Apply Vaseline around the X-Headstage™'s probe connectors.
• connect a cable to the X-Headstage™ system connector (HDMI or Omnetics) to protect it during the acrylic application phase.
• Some users recommend using a segment of a syringe tube as a container and outer barrier for the dental acrylic. Once the X-Headstage™ and electrode are secured, place the tube around the implant and pour acrylic into it to protect the entire assembly. This tube also serves as a convenient handling point for connecting the cable for data collection.

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Recovering the X-Headstage™

• Suspend the extracted implant in a beaker or jar.

  A custom holder can be made by drilling a hole in the jar lid for an old cable and applying epoxy/glue.

   Fill the jar with acetone up to just below the HDMI connector. Apply Vaseline around the system connector joint (HDMI or Omnetics) to minimize acetone vapor from leaking into the connector. Leave the implant to soak overnight.

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• The solvent in the jar will be murky, and particles will fall to the bottom of the jar. Remove the extracted implant and carefully peel off the softened acrylic until the EIB or probe PCB is exposed and can be removed. You may repeat the soaking step to remove the acrylic.

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• Clean any residual particles from the connector by spraying a gentle acetone stream if necessary.

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• Let the X-Headstage™ air dry.

• Verify the X-Headstage™ functionality using theimpedance test module and brainwave simulator. The headstage should be able to perform measurement and recording at the proper level.
• The X-Headstage™ is ready for another round of experiments!

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