Wireless neurostimulator with blood vessel delivery

Main article: Neurostimulators

History

2022: Device announcement

In mid-March 2022, researchers at Rice University introduced a tiny neurostimulation device that can be delivered intravascular and does not require a battery or wired connection. A device about the size of rice grain can be advanced through the vascular system until it is near the target nerve, after which the doctor can attach it to the vessel wall for long-term implantation. The stimulator does not require batteries and is powered by an external magnetic emitter. Researchers hope that this technology could be a replacement for bulkier neurostimulation devices that require built-in batteries or wires that penetrate the body.

Implant contains strip of magneto-electric film which can convert energy of magnetic fields into electric energy. The device can then be powered by an external magnetic emitter, which generates a magnetic field of about 1 millitsil (mT), which does not adversely affect the underlying tissues.

A tiny wireless neurostimulator has been developed that is delivered through blood vessels

According to one study participant, Jacob Robinson, since the devices are small, we can use blood vessels as a backbone to achieve goals that are difficult to reach with traditional surgery. Robinson added that the researchers deliver them using the same catheters used for endascular procedures, but the scientists leave the device out of the vessel and place a guide wire in the bloodstream as a stimulating electrode that can be held in place using a stent.

Neurostimulation has the potential to relieve pain or treat neurological diseases, but existing technologies have their limitations, requiring invasive surgery for implantation and repeat operations to replace devices with old batteries to all patients. If the power supply is external, then it may be necessary to penetrate the wires through the skin with a concomitant risk of infection and further inflammation of the affected area.^[1]

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