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Autonomous and Rechargeable Microneurostimulator Endoscopically Implantable into the Submucosa
Published on: September 27, 2018
Constant-current adjustable-waveform microstimulator for an implantable hybrid neural prosthesis
Travis J Hassell1, Sabrina S Jedlicka, Jenna L Rickus
1Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA. thassell@purdue.edu
Summary
This study introduces a microstimulator prototype for hybrid neural prostheses, offering a potential new therapy for neurological disorders when drugs fail. The device shows promise for effective neural modulation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microstimulation is key for controlling neural responses and treating disorders like Parkinson's disease.
- Pharmaceutical tolerance limits treatment options for many neurological patients.
- The efficacy and design of hybrid neural prostheses remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical potential of a hybrid electro-chemical neural prosthesis.
- To verify the performance of a prototype microstimulator in vitro.
- To establish design criteria for implantable neural devices.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a printed circuit board (PCB) microstimulator prototype.
- Utilizing a CMOS microstimulator application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) in the IBM 7RF 0.18 microm process.
- In vitro testing with P19 cell cultures.
Main Results:
- The prototype microstimulator demonstrated an output impedance of 237 kOmega.
- Achieved a voltage compliance of 11.3 V.
- Exhibited linear constant-current output up to +/-600 microA, suitable for neural prostheses.
Conclusions:
- The developed microstimulator system is a viable candidate for implantable hybrid neural prostheses.
- Hybrid prostheses offer unique neural modulation capabilities.
- Linear glutamate release at physiological amplitudes and frequencies is achievable with this technology.
